Alumni

Jordan received his B.A. in Psychology. He is a first generation Guatemalan-American college student. He joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Spring 2022. He hopes to one day get a MA/PHD and go into counseling or research. Jordan is originally from the Bay Area and outside the lab he likes to cook, try new foods, and travel.

Jose received his B.A. in psychology with a minor in biology and was a first-generation college student. His research interests are social and developmental psychology and more recently he has emphasized on the Latinx community and the effects that mental health and educational barriers can have on the community. He has previously worked in the developmental research lab at UCSC studying how children perceive the animate quality of contingency with the use of a robotic toy. Jose is excited about joining the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab (MIEL) and looks forward to contributing to the YPAR project. Outside the lab, Jose enjoys spending time with friends, cooking, and traveling.

Kimberlie Hatch-Pulido majored in Psychology with a Chemistry Minor. She is from Boyle Heights, CA. Kim is a first-generation German Mennonite-Mexican American. Kim is interested in medical/psychosocial concepts pertaining to immigrant families/first-generation students and how/what impacts their overview of health and social adaption individually and as a community. Kim aspires to obtain an MD/PhD with a background in Social or Clinical Psychology to better understand how to approach and help future patients. Outside of the lab Kim enjoys reading, cooking and outdoor adventures. 

Andrea received her B.A. in Intensive Psychology with a minor in Education at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her research interests include mental health within immigrant children and families, marriage and family therapy as well as child development. In her free time I really like to paint, creare diy projects, as well as listening to music, exploring the outdoors, photography, and reading up on astrology.

Liz Leon double-majored in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Education. She is a first-generation, Latina, and Mexican-American college student. She joined the Migraiton, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2021. She is interested in learning about mental health challenges and barriers that the Latinx immigrant communities experience within their own academic, social, professional, and cultural environments. Currently, she works as a Wellness Intern for the EOP office and promotes holistic academic, social, and physical opportunities to empower first-generation, low-income students throughout their college journey. She aspires to work with children and provide socio-emotional support and academic rapport through offering therapeutic resources post-grad life. Outside of the lab, she enjoys exercising, meditating, jornaling, and participating in grounding activities.

As a first-generation student, Jackie double majored in Psychology and Education at UC Santa Cruz. Jackie joined the MIEL Fall 2021. Her research interests include pediatric psychology with an emphasis on intergenerational trauma and its effects on the psychological and physical wellbeing of children of immigrants. Jackie aspires to work with Latinx communities to combat stigmas surrounding mental health while providing access to quality mental health care. Outside of the lab, Jackie enjoys hiking, reading, and listening to music. 

Michelle Carmona Rios received a Psychology degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her interests are in Social Psychology with an emphasis on mental health in first-generation transfer students and UX research/design. She is also a part of the Pathways to Research (P2R) program to help enhance her research proposal and literature review skills. By joining the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab (MIEL), she hopes to gain hands-on skills that will be valuable for her desire to conduct her own research in the future. In her free time, Michelle likes to create music playlists, spend time at the beach, and stay active.

Thomas A. Lopez graduated with an intensive psychology degree from UC Santa Cruz. He is a part of the MIEL Lab, he is also a transfer peer mentor for the TPP program in UCSC. His research interests are in developmental and social, specifically community and liberation psychology. One day he hopes to obtain a Phd in community and liberation psychology and to eventually continue his research. Outside of the lab he enjoys cooking, working out, reading, and being outdoors

Alicia received her degree in Psychology and Latin American and Latinx Studies. She joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Winter 2019. She is interested in serving marginalized Latinx immigrant communities, more specifically Central American immigrant communities, while placing an emphasis on their mental wellness. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking, make-up, and art projects. 

Yesenia is a third-year undergraduate student double majoring in Psychology and Sociology/Latin American and Latinx Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Yesenia’s research interests include social psychology, Latinx diaspora, transnational families, and migration. She is currently a research assistant at the Migration Identity and Education Lab (MIEL) and an EOP employee. In the future, Yesenia hopes to become a social worker to assist families in need.

Oscar E Licon is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at UC Santa Cruz. He joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab Fall 2020 in the hopes to use his knowledge gained in the lab to help students succeed as he hopes to become a high school counselor. His research interests include developmental and social psychology with a focus on adolescence, education, and identity development.  In his free time, he likes to create poems and songs, play video games, and take pictures of nature.

Annika is a third year (graduating a year early) undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and Education at UC Santa Cruz. She joined the MIEL Lab Fall 2020 and is working remotely as a Research Assistant. Annika’s research interests include child and adolescent development, contemporary psychoanalytic and social theory, and better ways to support families. Outside of the lab, she enjoys embroidering, painting, hiking, and dancing.   

Jessica Gonzalez graduated with a Psychology and Sociology degree from the University of California. Her research interests are Social and Developmental Psychology with a heavy focus on immigration and the way mental health and educational barriers affect their communities. She is also a mentor for Corre La Voz, a program that works with fifth graders who are from spanish-speaking homes. By joining the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab (MIEL), she hopes to grow her research skills that will enable her to work and advocate for the immigrant community. In her free time, Jessica likes to listen to heavy metal, go on road trips, spend quality time with friends and work with kids.

Patricia Prieto is a fifth year undergraduate pursuing a double major in Psychology and Latin American Latinx Studies. Her research interests include mental health and the barriers when accessing mental health resources within the Latinx community. She also works at the Chicanx Latinx Resource Center as a Student Program Coordinator where she programs events to promote community engagement and involvement for Latinx identifying UCSC students. 

Artemisia is a fourth year undergraduate psychology major. She has an academic focus on social and developmental psychology and is specifically interested in studying the intersection of psychology and physical health. She hopes that her work in the Migration, Identity and Education Lab (MIEL) lab will help her to gain further educational insight in her psychological interests. Outside of the lab Artemisia is passionate about hiking, exercise and cooking. 

Enrique is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing an intensive psychology degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Enrique is a first-generation student, whose research interests include social psychology and clinical psychology with an emphasis on mental health and education. Outside of class, Enrique likes to exercise, watch movies, and spend time with friends. 

Esmeralda Plata graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Psychology. Her research interests are social psychology, migration, and mental health in migrant communities. She is currently a research assistant at the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab. In the future, she plans to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In her free time, she enjoys painting and reading. 

Athena is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Intensive Psychology at the University of California at Santa Cruz. They have an interest in clinical and social psychology. By joining the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab (MIEL), they hope to gain further insight to the world of psychology research. In the future, Athena hopes to work with LGBTQ+ adolescents and emerging adults. Outside of the lab, Athena enjoys going to concerts, cooking, playing video games, and hanging out with their friends.

Kevin is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing an Intensive Psychology major and Philosophy minor at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His current research interests are Latinx youth and Clinical Psychology. He is currently a Research Assistant at MIEL(Migration, Identity, and Education Lab). His hobbies include reading, hiking, and playing video games. 

Kiara is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a Psychology major and a Legal Studies minor at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Kiara’s research interests include social psychology, immigrant children, migrant families, and migration. She is currently a research assistant at the Migration Identity and Education Lab (MIEL). Outside the lab, Kiara enjoys reading, going to concerts, and make-up. 

Nereyda is a fourth-year intensive psychology major at University of California, Santa Cruz. She also interns at the Laurel Street Center, an adult day care program for developmental disabled clients. Her interest lies in clinical psychology. In the future Nereyda Plancarte hopes to get her PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Jacqueline is a fifth-year undergraduate student double majoring in Psychology and Latin American and Latino Studies(LALS) at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her current research interests are in Social and Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on the mental health within Latinx im/migrant communities. In the future, she hopes to advocate for better mental health resources for Latinx im/migrant communities through her research. She’s currently a research assistant at the Migration Identity and Education Lab, Human Rights Investigations Lab, and Baby Lab. Outside the labs, Jacqueline enjoys going on walks, watching movies/t.v. shows, reading, doing art projects, and dancing with her 18-month old daughter and partner.

Cynthia is a fourth-year undergrad Sociology and Psychology double major. She also interns in the El Centro Chicanx Latinx Resource Center at UCSC. Her interest lies in  social psychology; specifically focusing on mixed status immigrant families and how they are affected by this. She loves to dance and workout.

After completing her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University, Deepika has worked as an architect for the past three decades. Her work has  involved telling the "story" of communities, institutions, and individuals, through the design of physical space. She turns her focus now, to documenting stories that center on "belonging" and “place” told through the lens of immigrant experiences (past and present) in developing identity and agency. Deepika is interested in researching Identity Development and Belonging, Space and Place, & Teaching and Learning. Deepika is also the co-author (with Gary Griggs) of Santa Cruz Coast: Then and Now, and California Coast from the Air: Images of a Changing Landscape. In her younger days, she dabbled in gymnastics, karate and tennis. She is presently a fan of Pilates and meditation.

Emily volunteered at MIEL during her fourth-year as an undergraduate Psychology student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Her research interests include social identity development, adolescent psychopathology, and resilience through major life changes. In her free time, she enjoys surfing and making electronic music.

Elise was involved with MIEL as a fourth-year intensive psychology undergraduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz. Her research interests are in how people interact with and influence each other, with a focus on romantic relationships. She is currently a Research Assistant at the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab. Her hobbies include dancing, reading, and crocheting.

Kailey was involved in MIEL as a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Psychology Department at UC Santa Cruz. They are pursuing research in applied behavioral analysis and community work with LGBTQ+ Latinx youth. Alongside working as a research assistant at the Migration Identity and Education Lab (MIEL), Kailey works as a behavioral technician with children with autism. In their free time, Kailey enjoys painting and acting.

Bianca was involved with MIEL as a third-year undergraduate transfer student pursuing a Psychology major at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Bianca’s research interests include social and cultural psychology. She is especially interested in immigrant children, migrant families, identity and race issues. Bianca is currently a volunteer research assistant at the Migration Identity and Education Lab (MIEL). Outside of her academic career, Bianca enjoys spending time with her family, taking her dogs on hikes around the bay area and is an avid concert goer. 

Sadie Gomez graduated with a B.A. in Intensive Psychology. Sadie is interested in qualitative research in social psychology. They joined Spring 2021 and have been working on Gloriana Lopez’s Latinx LGBTQ Digital Counterspaces project. 

Arley Aguilar Luna double-majored in Psychology and Latin American and Latinx Studies with a specific interest in Latinx psychology. She is a first-generation Mexican-American college student. She joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2020. She hopes to one day obtain an MA/PhD and conduct her own Latinx research and assist other first-generation students with their academic journeys. Outside of the lab, Arley enjoys creating art, hiking, and reading. Currently she works at UAspire and recently presented at the San Jose State University Psychology Department SPARC Conference.

Jamielin Moreto graduated with a double major in Psychology and Anthropology. Jamielin’s passion for mental health steers her in the direction of prospectively working in the clinical field of psychology in the hopes of working with children. This passion is supported by her enthusiasm in learning more about various Cultures through the field of Anthropology, in order to help her fulfill her future educational and career interests in learning how individuals are shaped into the person they are.

Alexandria Leon received a B.A. in Intensive Psychology. They have an academic interest in social and developmental psychology with a heavy focus on mental health and the intersection of identities. Alexandria joined the Migrant Identity and Education Lab in the fall of 2021 and hopes to gain experience in psychological research. Outside the lab, Alexandria enjoys reading, baking, gardening and playing video games. In the future, Alexandria hopes to obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology. 

Sydrah Al-saegh is a fourth-year transfer student double majoring in Psychology and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at the University of California Santa Cruz. She is a first-generation Arab-American student interested in the different structures of identity and how they intersect with education and psychological development. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and listening to music. 

Diana Garcia is a fourth year undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is double majoring in psychology and Latin American and Latino studies. Diana is a first-generation Mexican college student. She joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Winter 2022. Her current research interests revolve around social and clinical psychology, specifically in relation to Latinx families, gender development and mental health. Outside of the lab, Diana likes to paint, spend time with family and friends, self-learning other languages and reading. 

Alexis Roaf is a 4th year undergraduate student majoring in Intensive Psychology. She is a first-generation African American college student. She joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2022. Right now she is applying to law schools and hopes to begin attending Fall 2023 following graduation. Outside of the lab, Alexis enjoys reading, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Tristan Gonzalez (he/him) is a 3rd year student. He is majoring in Psychology and minoring in LALS. He is a second gen Mexican American. Tristan is interested in how race and institutions intersect with each other on multiple levels. In his free time he enjoys reading books, going to concerts, swimming , and going to goth clubs.

Kunal Agarwal (he/him) is a 4th year transfer student. He is majoring in Psychology. 

Sarah Castellanos is a 4th-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is double majoring in Intensive Psychology and Education. Sarah is a first-generation Mexican and Indigenous college student. She joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Winter 2023. Her current research interest revolves around social and clinical psychology, specifically in the context of education, marginalized communities, and mental health. Outside of the Lab, Sarah likes to watch anime, spend time with friends and family, and bake pastries.

Aadya was involved in MIEL during her fourth-year as an undergraduate Psychology major and Education minor at the University of California Santa Cruz. Aadya's research interests lie in social, clinical, and development Psychology. She aspires to help trauma affected individuals- especially children, migrants and refugees. In addition to working at the Migration Identity and Education Lab (MIEL) as a research assistant, Aadya also interned at the California STRTP, Haven of Hope. Outside of her professional pursuits, Aadya enjoys singing and playing instruments like the guitar, piano, and ukulele. Aadya is an avid theater enthusiast and has taken part in several stage performances for her college. 

Yolanda Rodriguez joined MIEL as an undergraduate student. She graduated in June 2020 with a degree in Psychology at UC Santa Cruz. She is a current graduate student at San Jose State University. She is working towards her masters in Counseling and Guidance and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential. She has continued her work with MIEL for almost two years now. She is the liason to the YPAR project at Branciforte Middle School. She has experience with working directly with Latinx and first-generation high school students to prepare them for post-secondary options. She hopes to become a high school counselor and support students on a much greater scale. 

Maissoun Hussein gradauted from the University of California Santa Cruz with a degree in the politics department, and is highly focused on international politics as well as the relations between nations, but more importantly on the development of nations located in the "Global South." Joining the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab (MIEL) has enabled her to further her understanding of the sociological intersections of these notions with a political outlook that institutes a practical format for creating change by analyzing these notions of humanity. Outside of the Lab, Maissoun enjoys hiking, festivals, swimming, historical programs, stand- up comedy, photography, and reading biographies of world leaders. She looks forward to pursuing her work with the Black-Muslim student project because these discoveries in the Lab are very dear to her personal identity.

Amir Abu-Samaha received his B.A. in Psychology as a transfer student at the University of California, Santa Cruz. At MIEL, he is currently supporting the investigation of youth participatory action research for middle-school-aged adolescents and studying the intersectional lived experiences of Black Muslim undergraduates. Aside from his work at MIEL, Amir is also a study coordinator at Texas Tech University's Tracking Risk Over Time Lab, studying suicidology and non-suicidal self-injury. His research interests include intra-individual and interpersonal risk/protective factors for suicidality and psychopathology (especially in ethnic minorities) and developmental psychopathology. He hopes that through his work at MIEL, he will gain a more well-rounded understanding of qualitative and mixed-methods research while also gaining the skills and knowledge to investigate peoples' struggles and strengths at an intra-individual and interpersonal level in his career. Amir enjoys playing soccer, swimming, and listening to music in his free time.

Theresa Bostic (she/her/s) is a fourth year undergraduate student double majoring in History and Sociology as well as minoring in Black Studies. She joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2022. Her interests are focused on intersectionality and researching the lived experiences of marginalized groups of people. She hopes to attend graduate school and be the first one in her family to obtain a PhD to then practice as a professor, and/or pursue other research opportunities. Outside of the lab, Theresa enjoys crocheting, hiking, and baking banana bread. 

Jade Goree is currently a fourth year undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, pursuing both Intensive Psychology and Education.  She aspires to obtain an MD/PhD in Social Research Methodologies to pursue a career in community psychology research. Specifically, she’d like to work in higher education with a focus on uplifting the ABC community. Her interests include mental health advocacy, antiracism, institutional reform and astrology. Outside of the lab, you can find her shopping, or hanging out with her cat, Peach!

Maria Eduarda Souza Coelho de Oliveira is a third-year transfer student majoring in Intensive Psychology. She immigrated from Brazil to the United States in two thousand and fourteen. Her research interests are immigration, race, social justice, discrimination, and inequalities. Maria joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2022. She hopes to grow in the research field and is excited about contributing to the lab. Upon graduating, she hopes to go into graduate school and, in the future, work with research and use psychology to emphasize the power that one has when being part of a minority group. 

Zina Hamrouni is a second year undergraduate currently enrolled at the University of Santa Cruz. She is a first generation college student interested in the broad topic of Human Development, specifically language acquisitions and the eventual decline of it. She joined the MIEL to further develop my skills and gain new experiences/exposure to the research world. Currently, she is interested in obtaining my PhD in Clinical Psychology.  In her spare time she loves going on walks and trying out new vegan recipes. 

Fatima Rosas is a first generation third year student pursuing her degree in psychology and education. She is a first-generation, Mexicana college student. She joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2022. Currently, she works as the lead mentor for the Undocumented Student Services at the EOP office. She aspires to expand resources for undocumnted students in higher education. In her free time, she likes going to the movies, going to the beach, playing with her cat, and hiking. 

Rodela Nirjhar is a 4th-year student at UCSC. She is affiliated with John Lewis (College 10), majoring in Intensive Psychology. She joined Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2023. She hopes to get a doctorate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and work as a psychologist for NASA. In her idle time, she either paints or does nature photography. Rodela loves competing with the Santa Cruz dragon boat team and playing badminton. Rodela was an intern with Kresge Common Ground Center, worked as a College Guide for College 9/John R. Lewis College, and was a fellow with the Special Collections and Archives at the McHenry Library. 

Leobardo D. Hernandez Tapia is a fourth-year undergraduate undocumented student double majoring in Psychology and Community Studies, alongside an Intro to Radio. He joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2023. His interests are focused on helping to bridge the gap between transfer students and their transition from a community college to a UC academic system. He hopes to attend graduate school and obtain a Master’s in psychology to work in a government agency that helps immigrants. Outside of the lab, Leobardo enjoys bowling, hiking, watching movies or series, and playing video games!

Sheila Alarcon (she/her) is a fourth year Human Biology major and Spanish Studies minor at the University of California, Santa Cruz. As a first generation pre-med student, Sheila’s focus is to learn about the biological complexities of a human, as well as the various external factors that shape human behavior. In her spare time, she likes to go on hikes, read, and spend time with friends and family. 

Tatiana Boza is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in general psychology. She plans on going to graduate school to pursue a degree in psychology and therapy. Tatiana joined the MIEL lab in 2022. She wanted to gain research experience and was very interested in the  LGBTQ Campus/ Digital Spaces lab, which she is currently participating in.