Team Members

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. 

Citlalli "Lalli" Hernandez (she/her) is a doctoral student in Social Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She earned her B.S. and M.S. in Psychology from Arizona State University. Her work previously looked at stigmatization, racial/ethnic discrimination, interracial relationships, bilingualism, identity, and sense of belonging. Currently, her research focuses on Spanish-speaking immigrant parents and their sense of belonging to their children’s school, while also looking at family ethnic socialization and support for parent language at schools. Overall, her research aims to demonstrate the need for more support for low-income Latinx/Hispanic immigrant families in the American Education system.

Lauren “Ren” Williams is a lead undergraduate research assistant in her senior year, pursuing a double major in Intensive Psychology and Art. She is extremely interested in educational equity, identity development, and the long-term consequences of social dynamics. Since joining MIEL, Lauren has become well acquainted with qualitative research methods that provide a direct positive impact on the participants and communities involved. In her final year, she stays busy with her senior thesis, graduate school applications, and her cat named Pickle!

Diana Marlen Leon is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in her fourth year seeking a degree in Intensive Psychology and Global Community Health. She joined Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2024 and is interested in pursuing research in the fields of Public Health and schools. Diana hopes to obtain a Masters Degree in Counseling or Social Work and then further help marginalized populations in schools as a School Psychologist or Health Educator. In her free time Diana enjoys Journaling and spending time with friends and family. 

Elizabeth Yepez (she/her/ella) is a 4th year Intensive Psychology student with a Minor in Education. She joined the Migration, Identity, & Education Lab in Fall 2025. Her personal academic interests include understanding the different factors that influence learning, shape values, and affect the emotional responses to diverse social situations. She is applying to graduate school in hopes to obtain her master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. Outside of academics, on her free time, Elizabeth likes to go on runs, watch movies, listen to music, and travel with friends and family.

Billairise “Billai” Lopez (she/her) is a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a Psychology and Cognitive Science double major. She joined the MIEL lab in Fall 2025 to further explore a side of psychology that she feels is often overlooked. She hopes that MIEL provides her with research experience that she can continue to develop throughout the rest of her undergraduate years and possibly even pursue as a career. Her goal is to graduate within 3 years and then apply to graduate school to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.  Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends, going to the gym, and reading. 

Sandra is a 3rd year student at UCSC studying psychology. As a first-generation college student, education and identity play a big role in who she is. Joining MIEL was a way for her to explore those topics and continue to give back to subjects that resonate. Being in the lab has created a sense of support and hope! 

Chase Kassube is a 3rd year undergraduate student with a Major in Intensive Psychology and a Minor in Statistics. He joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2025 and is interested in how sports can affect athletes mentally and if children being in sports from a young age impacts their mental health later in life. Chase plans on graduating and going straight to a Ph.D program to pursue Clinical Psychology and specialize in Sports Psychology in hopes to work with NFL players. Outside of academics, Chase loves to surf, snowboard, listen to music, and hang out with his friends!

Eloisa Garcia(she/her) is a Latina First Generation student from East Los Angeles in her 3rd year as an Intensive Psychology student at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She joined the Migration, Identity & Education Lab in Fall 2025. Eloisa hopes to use the Miel lab to gain research experience and plans to receive a PhD in Clinical Psychology after graduation. Outside the lab, Eloisa loves to do different makeup looks, go on walks, hang out with friends, and watch movies!

Isabel Stepanian is a 3rd year Psychology major, and first generation university student at UCSC. She joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2025. As a research assistant, Isabel is looking forward to expanding her knowledge of research methods for working with children while following her passion for K-12 educational research. Isabel hopes to pursue a PhD in School Psychology after graduating with her B.A. in Spring 2026. In her free time, Isabel enjoys listening to music, outside adventures, and going to the beach with friends!

Jasmine Gonzalez (She/her/ella) is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, majoring in psychology and minoring in biology. Jasmine joined MIEL in the fall of 2025 to gain hands-on experience in research. As a Latina student, she is interested in how educational experiences can be impacted by aspects such as cultural identity, belonging, and access to resources. She hopes to attend medical school and eventually become a psychologist. Outside of school, Jasmine enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, getting coffee with friends, and listening to music.

Vanessa Solis is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her academic interests center on the intersection of trauma, cognition, and physiology. She hopes to integrate these interests into future medical research exploring neurological responses to trauma. Vanessa joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab to gain hands-on experience in research that connects biological and social understandings of human behavior. Outside of the lab, Vanessa enjoys going on hikes, spending time with friends, and painting.

Anna Zigmond-Ramm is a 4th-year undergraduate Intensive Psychology Major at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She joined the MIEL in the fall of 2025. As a research assistant contributing to multiple studies over the last two years, she aims to explore the intersection of addiction and trauma from a holistic and integrated lens. 

Merixtel Baños is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies. I joined the Migration, Identity and Education Lab in the Fall of 2025 and aim to receive guidance and experience within research, as well as learning about different pathways within the field of psychology. My research interests revolve around the intersection of Psychology and Law and how the two work together within the criminal system and in everyday spaces in today's society. After graduation, I hope to begin the journey of applying to PhD. programs in Psych and Law and/or Forensic Psychology while taking the time to continue gaining experience in research. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, shopping, and trying new places to eat! 

Sabrina Fernandez (she/her/ella) is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, double majoring in Intensive Psychology and Education. As a first-generation Latina student, she is passionate about promoting educational equity and supporting underrepresented youth. Sabrina joined the Migration, Identity, and Education Lab in Fall 2025, where her academic and research interests focus on understanding how cultural identity, belonging, & access to resources shape students’ educational experiences. She hopes to continue her education in graduate school and pursue a career as an academic school counselor. Outside of academics, Sabrina enjoys discovering new food spots, going to concerts, and watching her favorite Marvel films.