Valerie Valencia Castillo valerie.valenciacastillo@email.ucr.edu
My overall goal is to advocate for marginalized and underrepresented communities through research and I aim to do so by pursuing a PhD to continue developing psychological research within either social or cognitive fields.
Fernanda Guizar Contreras
fguiz002@ucr.edu
Hello! My name is Fernanda (she/her) is a fourth-year Psychology major currently working on a Law and Society minor.
Her research interest includes self-regulation, motivation, and clinical/ community psychology. In her free time, she enjoys doing creative makeup looks, cooking, and playing with her dogs.
Carissa Johnson
carissa.johnson@email.ucr.edu
Hi! My name is Carissa, though I also go by CJ (she/her). I am a fourth-year B.S. Psychology student with research interests in how self-stigma and social stigma influence access to and quality of clinical mental health care across racial and ethnic groups. This fall, I will begin pursuing my PsyD at the University of La Verne, where I hope to advocate for marginalized communities by advancing mental health literacy and promoting culturally competent care.
Analeah Mafnas
amafn001@ucr.edu
Hi! My name is Analeah, and I am a fourth-year psychology student. After graduating from UCR, I plan to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology to understand how psychopathology impacts marginalized communities. Beyond academic research, I enjoy finding cute cafes, going to the beach, and binge-watching movies/shows with friends and family.
Amanda Tafoya
atafo010@ucr.edu
My name is Amanda Tafoya, and I go by She/They. I am studying Psychology, Education, Society, and Human Development, and I plan to pursue a Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology after graduating from UC Riverside. My hobbies consist of working out, reading, watching reality TV shows, listening to true crime podcasts, and hanging out with my friends, partner, and family.
Hannah Teshome
htesh003@ucr.edu
Hi, my name is Hannah Teshome! I am a current third-year Psychology major, pursuing minors in Neuroscience. Outside of school, my hobbies are baking, going to pilates or the gym, riding horses, and being with family and friends. I am passionate about research that highlights resilience and promotes positive support of people in marginalized groups. In the future, it is my goal to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with a research focus that supports early prevention for different mental illnesses and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Prachi Sinha
prachi.sinha@email.ucr.edu
Hi, I’m Prachi! I am a first-year Global & Community Health Major interested in how social and structural inequalities shape communities along with their overall well-being and mindset. In the future, I hope to work in healthcare as a provider who truly understands health equity and is committed to serving underrepresented communities. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time outdoors, watching tv shows + movies, baking, and playing with my cat!
Yaretzi Peralta
yaretzi.peralta@email.ucr.edu
Hello! My name is Yaretzi, and I’m a third-year Psychology major who is passionate about advocating for underrepresented communities. I aspire to become a psychiatrist to address mental health disparities in Latino communities and advocate for those who are often overlooked. Outside of school, I enjoy trying new coffee shops, baking, going to museums, and spending time with my pets.
Gael Valadez
gael.valadez@email.ucr.edu
Hi! My name is Gael, and I am a third-year Psychology student with a minor in Queer Studies. After I graduate, I plan to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology to be able to combine my own research and my clinical work. My research interests focus on underrepresented populations such as the queer community and how psychopathology impacts them and develops throughout adolescent years and further progresses into adulthood. In my free time, I am typically watching movies whether it’s at home or in a theater and when I am not watching movies I am spending time with my friends and family.
Alumni: Haylee Lemus (previous lab manager), Brenda Perez (graduated March 2026)
