Student Affiliates

1st year, Experimental Psychology masters program

My research interests lie in the intersection of the Autistic community with the queer community, specifically transgender and gender non-conforming (GNC) people. I am curious at how these overlapping identities interplay with one another, how the experience of transitioning effects Autistic realities, and how the pressure to conform/mask impacts people within both communities. Additionally, I have an interest in how the process of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may affect Autistic individuals differently than neurotypical people, in order to better inform people of potential and expected changes during their transitions. Overall, I believe that in order for there to be better physical and mental healthcare for Autistic and/or queer people, we need to understand the ways they navigate a world that is built by and for neurotypical, cisgender people.

2nd year, Experimental Psychology masters program

Broadly, my areas of interest include studying the impacts of various forms of trauma on marginalized groups. Specifically how competing cultural identities and mainstream messaging intersect to influence how trauma is processed in this population. The particular groups of interest to me are Asians/Asian Americans and biracial individuals. 

1st year, Experimental Psychology masters program

Broadly speaking, I am interested in identity research, specifically bicultural identity integration, intervention development, and critical psychology. I seek to explore these topics in relation to identity and attitude development primarily among queer and trans BIPOC adolescents and emerging adults. Drawing on theoretical frameworks within critical psychology, I seek to examine overlapping systemic and interpersonal stressors that may affect the mental health and subjective well-being of underserved populations, with a particular interest in Asian Americans. Moreover, I aim to contribute to research that informs culturally sensitive mental health treatment approaches. Through this, I hope to develop community-based interventions that address systemic barriers to mental healthcare, encourage individuals’ self-efficacy in engaging in help-seeking behaviors, and support the well-being of individuals in these populations.

Undergraduate, Psychology and Women Gender and Sexuality Studies major

Through developing a cross-culturally informed lens on conducting research in both psychological and interdisciplinary methods, I see immense value in the meaningful connections and knowledge exchange this community represents. My long-term goals are to build my identity as a researcher by pursuing a master's and PhD with a focus on identity development, generating knowledge alongside the communities most impacted by institutional barriers to care. 

Undergraduate, Sociology and Public Health major

My research interests include the sociology of mental illness, the social determinants of health, and the study of neurodiversity. Specifically, I'm interested in examining the various ways that young adults with ADHD cope with and 'mask' their symptoms in college, employing various impression and stigma management strategies to do so. Additionally, I have experience researching Intimate Partner Violence using police body-worn camera footage, analyzing officers' levels of empathy, rapport-building, and minimizing language used towards victims, with differential treatment across gender and racial lines. In general, I hope that my future work can have a positive impact on the Latino, Queer, and neurodivergent communities. I joined the CCCR because of my passion for learning about cross-cultural research, to stay updated on the latest social scientific research at Western, and to form meaningful connections with fellow researchers!

Psychology Major, Chinese Minor

My research interests are focused around Asian Americans mental health and well-being, and its contributing cultural factors. I am hoping to one day be able to help the Asian American community through therapy and mental health support. Through being involved in the CCCR community, I will be better able to view therapy and psychology through a cross-cultural lens and be able to better serve a wider variety of individuals through the mental-health field.

Hello! I am Sophia Randell, a psychology student with a passion for cross-cultural and developmental psychology. My academic journey is driven by an interest in understanding the intersectionality of cultural influences on human development. I aspire to use knowledge as a future therapist, focusing on the well-being of black, indigenous, and youth of color. Through my studies, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the field, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for the next generation.

Undergraduate Psychology major, Disaster Risk Reduction minor

My research interests congregate around trauma and resilience in cross-cultural contexts, particularly within disaster psychology. I am particularly drawn to how people in different cultural settings experience, interpret, and recover from traumatic events like major disasters. I am curious about clinical modalities for refugees and asylum seekers that are culturally responsive, as well as the psychological experiences of disaster relief workers, including secondary trauma and motivations for service. I aim to translate research into meaningful mental health policy for NGOs working in humanitarian settings, as well as provide direct clinical support for those affected by disasters.

Psychology Major, Political Science Minor

My research interests focus on cultural psychology, resilience, mental health, and the ways that cultural and social environments shape the well-being of adolescents and emerging adults. I am especially interested in the experiences of immigrant, first-generation, and Latino youth, including how family relationships, cultural identity, community support, and social expectations can influence psychological adjustment, help-seeking, and resilience. I am also interested in substance use particularly cannabis and how cultural attitudes, social environments, and individual experiences shape patterns of use among adolescents and young adults. I am curious how cannabis use may relate to coping, stress, mental health, social norms, and identity, as well as how these relationships may differ across cultural backgrounds and communities. Another area I hope to explore is sport and performance psychology particularly how young athletes from diverse cultural backgrounds experience pressure, motivation, belonging, identity development, and mental health within competitive environments. I am interested in how families, coaches, teams, and cultural expectations can influence athletes' development and well-being. Long term, I hope to pursue graduate study in psychology, contribute to research, and help translate psychological research into policies, programs, and culturally responsive interventions that better support underserved communities. I also hope to work directly with youth athletes particularly within soccer academies, as a sport or performance psychologist helping young players manage the psychological demands of competitive sport while supporting their development both as athletes and as individuals.

Psychology Major, French Minor

My research interests lie in the intersection of belonging and identity with concepts in cultural psychology. I hope to explore frameworks that address experiences among POC and queer POC individuals in the often-underrepresented research on identity navigation. More specifically, I am very interested in acculturation, intergenerational trauma, the evolution of cultural norms, as well as experiences of mixed-raced/multicultural identities. I am mixed Korean and French Réunionnaise, which has guided my interests in culturally informed research. I am looking forward to engaging in the CCCR community and learning with and from my peers.