Stress, Emotion & Physical Health Lab
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Rae Mendoza
Major in Psychology & 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 Counseling 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.
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.
Jina Suhr
Major in Psychological Science & Minor in Management
My name is Jina, and I am a third-year Psychology B.S. major with a minor in Management. In the future, I hope to work in the sports industry, particularly in sports psychology or sports marketing. I’m very excited to join the STEP Lab and further explore how mental health impacts our physical well-being to later apply to an athletic setting. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports such as soccer and Formula 1, finding good food places with friends, and watching pretty sunsets.
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!
Samantha Sanchez
Annie Romero-Phintusunton
Major in Psychological Science & Criminology, Law, and Society
Hello! My name is Annie and I am thrilled to be joining the STEP lab as a 4th year Psychological Sciences B.A. & Criminology, Law, and Society B.A. Major. My specific interest within the field is clinical psychology with a research emphasis on human attachment relations and its impact on mental health. My involvement with the STEP lab will allow me to gain first hand experience on developing and conducting research procedures as well as provide insight into future research endeavors. Learning about the perspectives, emotions, and experiences of others has always been something that I value and I am excited to be able to continue to learn and grow here with the STEP lab! In my free time I enjoy reading, going to the beach & shopping!
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.
Talia Rose Brand
Major in Psychological Science
My name is Talia and I'm a third year Psychological Science student at UCI. I'm interested in the intersection of mental and physical health, particularly around stress. In the future, I hope to pursue Neuropsychology. I'm so excited to be working in 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!
Major in Psychological Science & Minor in Public Health
My name is Samantha and I am a fourth-year Psychological Science major with a minor in Public Health. I’m super excited about the STEP Lab because it brings together things I’m passionate about: psychology, physiology, and mental health. I hope to become a LCSW in the future and I’m passionate about helping others heal and thrive, especially in communities that are often overlooked. Being a first-gen student and the daughter of Mexican immigrants has taught me the importance of resilience and I love that the STEP Lab explores how people grow through challenges. I’m really looking forward to learning more about research that can turn into real world tools to support mental health and happiness. In my free time I love going to the gym, reading, and spending time with my family and friends.