Praxis Lab

Lorraine M. Gutiérrez, Arthur F Thurnau Professor, Professor of Psychology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Professor of Social Work, School of Social Work, and Faculty Associate in Latino Studies. 

Professor Lorraine Gutiérrez's teaching and scholarship focuses on multicultural praxis in communities, organizations and higher education. She brings to her work community-based practice and research in multiethnic communities in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit and Seattle. Current projects include identifying strategies for multicultural community-based research and practice, multicultural education for social work practice, and identifying effective methods for learning about social justice. 

Email Lorraine at lorraing@umich.edu

Ana Patricia Esqueda - Doctoral Candidate in Developmental Psychology

Ana Patricia is broadly interested in how systems of oppression—namely those that devalue members of low socioeconomic status, racial minorities, or foreign language speakers—affect the development of Latinos, particularly those who are bilingual and/or bicultural. Within this, she hopes to understand how those systems can be moderated through parental involvement and Latino cultural values.

Email Ana Patricia at esqueda@umich.edu

Ariana González Peláez - Master of Social Work Candidate, Community Change Pathway

Ariana V. González Peláez, a native of Puerto Rico, is currently expanding her academic boundaries in Ann Arbor, Michigan. With a strong foundation in Social Sciences and the pursuit of social justice, Ariana graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus with a Bachelor of Arts degree, distinguished with a special concentration in Political Science and a minor in Human Rights. Ariana's commitment to Social Science extends beyond the classroom. Prior to her relocation to Michigan, she contributed to the academic community as a data analyst and field lister for the pioneering two phases of the Puerto Rico Public Opinion Lab. In addition, she engaged in rigorous research for the Academic Accompaniment Program as a research assistant and academic mentor. Both roles allowed her to hone her research skills, paving the way for her graduate studies. Currently, Ariana is embarking on a Master's degree in Social Work in the Community Change Pathway at the renowned University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. This next step in her academic journey signifies her continued passion for social sciences, and her determination to make impactful contributions to society through her work at the service of communities.

Email Ariana at gonzaari@umich.edu

Alejandra Torres - Undergraduate Student

Alejandra is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Psychology at the University of Michigan (LSA). She is a first-generation Latinx student from Detroit, MI. Some of her interests are studying the Latinx community, the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and mental health in youth minds. She hopes to work in a clinical setting with younger children, helping them navigate any psychological difficulties they encounter.

Email Alejandra at Alejandt@umich.edu 

Yuliana Garcia- Undergraduate Student

Yuliana is a second-year undergraduate majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Computer Science. She participated in Amazon's SURE Program during Summer 2023 at Columbia University and has worked with the Praxis Lab since her freshman year in UROP. She is interested in fostering equity for all in education, social justice and establishing sustainable practices in minority communities. 

Email Yuliana at yulianag@umich.edu 

Chenxuan Li - Undergraduate Student

Chenxuan is a senior pursuing a double major in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Entrepreneurship. His passion revolves around examining the mental healthcare system within society and understanding the stigmas and discrimination resulting from diverse cultural backgrounds. As he embarks on his first year with the Praxis Lab, Chenxuan is not only focused on academics. Post-graduation, he is committed to channeling his entrepreneurial spirit to address and mitigate these very challenges, aiming to make a tangible difference in the realm of mental health.

Email Chenxuan at xuanxuan@umich.edu 

Paige Bost - Undergraduate Student

Paige is a third-year undergraduate majoring in Psychology and minoring in Spanish and Crime & Justice. They participated in UROP’s Women and Gender Summer Fellowship Program during Summer 2023 and decided to stay involved in the Praxis Lab. They are particularly interested in studying race, racism, whiteness, and white supremacy. After graduation, Paige hopes to attend graduate school for a Ph.D. in social or developmental psychology.

Email Paige at pbost@umich.edu 

Rohan Patil - Undergraduate Research Assistant

Rohan is a senior majoring in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN). His interests are in understanding the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion particularly as it relates to immigrant populations. He is hoping to better understand how to create a more equitable environment for immigrant groups.

Email Rohan at patrohan@umich.edu

Sanzida Chowdhury - Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Scholar

Sanzida is a fourth year undergraduate student studying psychology and computer science. She is interested in learning and understanding the role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in American Universities. This is her first-year in the UROP program and in the Praxis Lab. 

Email Sanzida at sanzidac@umich.edu

Daley Diggs - Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Scholar

Daley is a first-year undergraduate student studying to obtain a degree in Psychology with the College of Literature, Science, and Arts at the University of Michigan. As an African-American woman, Daley wants to highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in universities and ultimately, institutions everywhere. She is a part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, and she is joining the Praxis Lab for her first year.

Email Daley at daleydig@umich.edu 

SiQi (Stephen) Huang - Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Scholar

SiQi is a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a major in Psychology and doing Pre-Med. As an international student, SiQi is interested in understanding the impact of diversity and equity in college education, which eventually led him to join the PRAXIS Lab. He hopes to learn more about inequality and discrimination and is excited about the opportunity to contribute as a research assistant. As a part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, this will be his first year in the Praxis Lab.

Email SiQi at siqhuang@umich.edu  

Ally Shultz - Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Scholar

Ally is a fourth year undergraduate student studying political science and Afro-American and African Studies. She is interested in social justice and police reform, as well as the intersectionality of various social issues. She hopes to attend law school following her undergraduate education to become a civil rights lawyer. This is Ally's first year in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, and her first year in the Praxis Lab.

Email Ally at allyschu@umich.edu

**To learn more about the UM UROP Program, check their website at: https://lsa.umich.edu/urop/Prospective-Students.html 

Ashley (Ash) Harvey - UM Alumna

Ashley is a 2020 University of Michigan graduate, with dual Bachelors in Spanish and Psychology. She is interested in psychopathy, addiction and mood disorders in the context of Latinx communities, as well as, risk and protective factors when exposed to community violence. Her current research focuses on assessing cultural and environmental influences and their relationship with trauma and psychological disorders, specifically within minority communities. Her future plans include graduate school and pursuing a career in the social service/social work realm, with the ultimate goal of using her fluency in Spanish and psychology to help the greater community.

Email Ash at acharvey@umich.edu

Aisha Ibrahim - UM Alumna

Aisha is an alumnus of the Psychology department with a focus on Pre-Pharmacy. Her interests are focused on understanding more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Universities and the experiences of minority populations on university campuses.

Email Aisha at iaisha@umich.edu

Saria Bechara - UM Alumna

Saria is an alumnus of the Program Evaluation and Applied Research track of the Social Work Masters Program. She is interested in the intersection between community-based participatory research and policy development. Her research interests include the accessibility of culturally sensitive mental health care for refugee and immigrant communities. As an international student from Lebanon, she is also interested in studying political activism and community organizing in the context of the Middle East. This will be her first year in the Praxis lab.

Email Saria at sbechara@umich.edu