Stress, Emotion & Physical Health Lab
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Nahal Dastmalchi
Major in Psychology and Sociology
My name is Nahal and I am a post-baccalaureate student. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from UC Santa Cruz, and currently, I am exploring my interests in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. I look forward to learning more about the impact of stress and emotions in the STEP Lab. In my free time, I enjoy baking and spending time with friends and family.
Jocelyn Nguyen
Major in Psychological Science
My name is Jocelyn and I am a fourth year B.S. Psychology major. I am interested in exploring the overlap between biology and psychology. One topic that I want to further examine is the effects of stress on both the gastrointestinal and nervous system. I am very excited to join the STEP lab and gain additional research experience. During my free time, I like to go on walks at the beach, spend time with my family, and hangout with friends.
Hannah McEntyre
Major in Psychological Science
My name is Hannah and I am a fourth year Psychological Science major. I earned my Associate's degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences at El Camino College. Currently, I am writing my Campuswide Honors Collegium thesis on smiling as a predictor of stress performance with STEP Lab. In addition to research, I also work in ABA therapy as a Direct Interventionist. In my free time, I love spending time with my loved ones, baking, and reading. I'm excited to be working with STEP Lab and growing my research knowledge!
Gena Younies
Major in Public Health Sciences
I’m a fourth-year public health sciences major passionate about the intersection of psychology and physiology, particularly how mental health impacts physical well-being and how behavioral interventions can enhance health outcomes. Through the STEP lab, I hope to deepen my understanding of stress and the body. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking, painting, and hiking to explore California's diverse terrain.
Allyson Liu
Major in Biological Science
My name is Allyson and I am a third year Biological Science major, excited to research the complex connection between psychology and physiology. The STEP lab gives me the ability to explore the human experience side of biology and gain a better understanding of scientific methodology through working on systematic review and meta analyses. This will be helpful in my goals of working in Pharmaceutical/Biotech Research and Development. In my free time, I enjoy pottery, reading, cooking, and learning new things!
Nikki Nasseri
Major in Psychological Science
My name is Nikki Nasseri and I am an incoming junior for Fall 2023 as a transfer student from Irvine Valley College. I majored in Psychological Sciences at IVC and fell in love with research! I am a swim coach and pool lifeguard in the Summer, as well as babysitting. I grew up by the ocean and love spending time outdoors. Some of my hobbies include: swimming, hiking, lifting, skiing, and acting. I am so excited to begin my research journey at the STEP Lab!
VanAnh Phung
Major in Psychological Science
I am a motivated, curious junior transfer majoring in Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine. I am passionate about medicine and mental health, particularly people’s minds, bodies, and wellness. I hope to raise awareness for mental health and build a reliable support system for people in need. The STEP Lab (STress, Emotion & Physical Health Lab), studying how positive psychological factors and social relationships benefit health and improve stress response, aligns with my interests. By joining the STEP Lab, I hope to gain research experience and knowledge regarding health psychology. In addition, I hope to continue my journey in medicine and mental health. In the future, I plan to become a psychiatrist or apply to a graduate school in Health Psychology or Clinical Psychology.
Aki Luo
Major in Psychological Science
My name is Aki and I am a third-year Psychological Science major passionate about motivation, productivity, stress, and well-being. I love STEP lab because I am very interested in positive sociopsychological factors and stress, as a mental health advocate. I'm currently looking to further my education in I/O Psychology. In my free time, I like to cook, spend time with loved ones, and watch anime. I care about mental health, personal growth, family and friends, and thoughtful conversations.
Rae Mendoza
Major in Psychology and Minor in Counseling
My name is Rae and I'm currently a Post-Baccalaureate student in Psychological Science. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Counseling from Sacramento State. My research interests are in the overlaps of Clinical and Health Psychology. Some of my favorite pastimes are reading and trying new restaurants and cuisines. I'm excited to be taking my first step into the world of research with the STEP Lab.
Victoria Vo
Major in Psychology
I am pursuing psychology and research due to my love for all things people-related since I love working with others and just meeting new people which leads me to my dream of working with children in the future! If I'm not at school in class or doing homework, I'm most likely hanging out with my friends window shopping makeup stores or going to get matcha at a new cafe. However I still love my solo hobbies of scrapbooking, watching a sappy k-drama, or just listening to music while cleaning my apartment!