Team Members

Melissa Mesinas received her Ph.D. in the Developmental and Psychological Sciences program in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. Her research interests center at the intersection of education and psychology for Latinxs, including identity formation, learning in community contexts, cultural practices, and Indigenous knowledge systems. Her work appears in the Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences. She is a visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at Scripps College and a New Gen Learning Post-doctoral researcher at UCSC.

Dr. Sarait Martinez-Ortega has over 10 years of experience as a community organizer with Indigenous Latinx and immigrant-origin communities. Her research centers on indigenous youth and how non-traditional spaces, inside and outside school, shape their engagement, self-determination, and identity formation. She is also trained in participatory action research (PAR) methods. Sarait has a Master’s in Public Administration for Fresno State University and an Ed.D. from San Francisco State University.

Valeria (she/her/hers) is a doctoral student in Social Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her research interests focus on cultural and familial values among Latinx, first-generation and undocumented students, and their educational experiences. Outside of the lab, she has served as a graduate researcher for Cultivamos Excelencia, an HSI Initiative focused on community college student outreach and developing a transfer receptive culture at UC Santa Cruz. She is also a steering committee member for the Coalition for Undocumented Scholars and Professionals in Psychology. Valeria enjoys hiking, surfing, running, visiting new places, and reading and watching rom-coms.

Gloriana Lopez-Leon is a Ph.D. candidate in Social Psychology working under the supervision of Dr. Saskias Casanova. Her research looks at the way social media platforms offer unique opportunities for multiply marginalized youth and young adults to access or build learning communities where they can co-construct social realities that challenge stereotypical and dehumanizing narratives about their social groups and promote their social identity development. Gloriana’s work uses a multidisciplinary approach bringing together developmental psychology, social psychology, Latina feminist psychology (Hurtado, 2018), Intersectionality theory (Crenshaw, 1991; Collins 1989), Latina/o./x Critical theory (Sólorzano  & Yosso, 2001, Perez-Huber, 2009), and Borderland theory (Anzaldúa, 1987) to understand intersectional forms of discrimination (gendered heterosexism, gendered colorism, & racist heterosexism) , with the goal of deconstructing social structures responsible for the inequalities experienced by Latinx, LGBTQ+, and Latinx LGBTQ+ people.  

Betsy (they/them) is a doctoral student in Social Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Prior to UCSC, Betsy received an M.A. in Psychology at San Francisco State University (SFSU) along with a graduate certificate in Ethnic Studies. Their thesis focused on how stereotype threat impacted Latine/x groups. Their current research interests revolve around Latine/x youth, educational outcomes, psychological well-being, and overall health. Additionally, they aim to integrate intersectionality, strength-based approaches, liberation psychology, and youth participatory action research (yPAR) into their work in order to address the detrimental consequences of ongoing oppressive systems on marginalized populations. 

Mario A. Gómez-Zamora is first-gen and an English learner. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, with concentration in History from Normal Superior Juana de Asbaje, and a master’s degree in Education of History from Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo. Currently, he is a Ph.D. student in Latin American and Latinx Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His research interests include Local History, Oral Tradition, Memory, Alternative Teaching History, and Transnational P’urhépecha Culture. His current work examines Indigenous Gender and Sexualities and LGBTQ+ identities among the Indigenous P’urhépecha community in Michoacán and the United States.

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. 

Blandina Mendez is a second year undergraduate student majoring in intensive psychology. She is a first generation Oaxaquña.  Her primary focus is psychology's social and developmental aspects, especially mental health within marginalized communities. She hopes that by joining the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab, she will be able to gain experience and knowledge. In addition, she enjoys watching movies, going on adventures, and hanging out with friends in her free time.

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. 

Ben is a fourth year undergrad student studying Psychology and Biology. He hopes to do work in activism and social justice. He is aspiring to obtain a PsyD in Clinical Psychology, specifically Forensic Psychology, so he can combine his skills in science and social activism. Research is important to him because he knows science has the power to help liberate people. You can probably catch him tabling for UCSC’s Student Health Outreach and Promotion programs, peer-educating and promoting Harm Reduction!

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. 

Itzel Arias is a third-year transfer student majoring in Intensive Psychology. She joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in the fall of 2023 to gain exposure and experience in the research world. Her research interests are at the intersection of human behavior and law, social interactions, and intersectionality. Upon graduation, Itzel would like to pursue graduate school and obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Forensic Psychology. Her interests outside the lab include journaling, reading poetry, visiting new cafes, shopping, and binge-watching TikTok.

Andrea Guzman (She/Her) is a third-year undergraduate pursuing an Intensive Psychology Major and Theater Arts Minor. She joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2023 and is interested in researching the intersections between Identity, Psychological Development, and Education. Andrea hopes to attend graduate school and pursue a Masters in Clinical Psychology and to continue participating in diverse research. Outside of the lab, Andrea enjoys doing her nails, her makeup, going shopping, and hanging out with her friends! 

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. 

Diana Hernandez is a Latina first-generation college student/student-parent completing her fourth year of undergraduate studies with a major in both Psychology and Literature, and a minor in Latin American and Latino Studies after transferring from Hartnell College in Salinas, CA in Spring of 2022. Diana joined MIEL in the Fall of 2023. She plans on moving on to graduate school and obtaining her MA in Education, as well her PhD in Psychology. Diana’s research and personal/career interests are in working with refugee/migrant communities as an educator and also as a counselor, and also has an interest in research related to human rights. In her free time Diana spends time with her loved ones, enjoys being outdoors, and kicking her feet up with a good book.

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.