Our Team

Angela Donner

Angela is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Psychology. She is passionate about understanding mental processes and promoting well-being. Her psychology interests focus on exploring the factors that influence mental health, as well as understanding the causes of psychological challenges and how they can be prevented or addressed. With experience conducting simple research through an internship, she aims to pursue a career in both research and clinical work to support others in their mental health journeys.   

Alexa Weaver

Alexa is a junior working towards a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Criminology. Her primary interest lies in human behavior, specifically the factors that influence one's actions, emotions, and personality. She is passionate about exploring the psychological processes that shape these human behaviors. Although Alexa is unsure of what field of psychology she wants to pursue, she is eager to apply her interests to real world studies and discover the right path for her future. Alexa enjoys working out, reading, and being with friends or family in her free time.   

Shankara Narayanan 

Shankara is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Psychological Sciences at the University of Arizona, with a minor in Physiology and Medical Sciences. He is interested in understanding how early childhood experiences shape behavior and emotional well-being. He is drawn to the intersection of mental health and adolescent development and how the overall theme of well-being and positive psychology play a role. With a background in volunteering in various mental health and hospice care settings and previous lab and work experience working with young children with mental disorders, he is passionate about supporting individuals through their emotional and psychological journeys. Shankara aims to pursue a career in psychiatry with an interest in working with children and adolescents. In their spare time, Shankara enjoys watching movies and TV shows, reading, playing basketball, and spending time with friends.   

Valeria Mendez 

Valeria is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Psychological Sciences with a double minor in Classics and Criminology. She is passionate about understanding human behavior. She is especially interested in the role psychology plays in criminality. Although she is still exploring her career options, she is considering a future in Clinical Psychology. Val was drawn to this lab for its focus on how cultural environments affect people's happiness and well-being. In her free time, she enjoys reading, finding new coffee shops, watching sitcoms, and listening to true-crime podcasts.    

Michael Landman 

Michael is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in nutrition. He was drawn to the lab because of its approach on personality and how culture and environment may affect our well-being.  He hopes to work as a Clinical Psychologist with children suffering from autoimmune diseases and help them mentally adjust to the lifestyle changes they are often forced to instantly adapt to. In his free time, Michael likes to go to the gym, watch soccer, and spend time with my family.    

Ashley Becker-Ursini 

Ashley is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Psychological Sciences at the University of Arizona. She is applying to Physician Assistant PA school this spring and is passionate about the medical field and improving the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers. Ashley has previous lab experience in marine biology, where she explored the natural sciences while growing up in Southern California and spending time at the beach. She also worked in a psychophysiology lab studying alternative treatments for anxiety, which deepened her interest in mental health and resilience. Her current interests are on the health and well-being of medical students and physicians, recognizing that their ability to thrive directly impacts patient care.  

Emily Stone 

Emily is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Psychological Sciences with a double minor in Educational Psychology and Spanish. She is passionate about studying well-being and plans to attend school to become an Occupational Therapist specializing in pediatric patients. She hopes to improve the well-being of children in underserved communities, and help them gain independence. Emily has previously worked in a psycholinguistics lab focusing on the language development of bilingual children, and a neuropsychology based lab studying age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, both of which further sparked her interest in studying well-being. In her free time, Emily enjoys going thrifting, spending time with friends, and making sourdough bread. 

 Crouton 

Crouton is the lab's mascot. He is a big fan of walks and naps. And food!