Lily Morris
Undergraduate Student
Lily is a freshman in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan. She is majoring in psychology and is potentially interested in pursuing a minor in English. Within the realm of psychology she is interested in taking her studies either in a clinical direction or through social work. As of now, she is most interested in conducting research within the field. In her spare time, she loves to read, write, and run. In the future, she hopes to take her studies and career back to her home town of Los Angeles, and to attend graduate school. She is passionate about helping others and hopes that she can continue to do this throughout her academic and professional career.
Shira Massey
Undergraduate Student
Shira is a senior in the school of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan. She is majoring in Sport Management and is interested in obtaining a minor in business from Ross. Although there is no concrete background in psychology, Shira is extremely interested in conducting in-depth research and analyses on adversity within minority populations. In her spare time, she loves to read, travel, hike and heavily immerse herself within nature. After graduation, the goal is to move out west and go work in marketing and branding in the health and sport related industries.
Carolina Khouri
Undergraduate Student
Carolina Khouri is a junior at the University of Michigan studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. After graduation, she plans on applying to physician’s assistant school, and hopes to work as a PA in the psychiatry field. She is particularly interested in working with children and adolescents. She hopes to return California after graduate school and continue her career in San Francisco.
Anthony Harden
Anthony Harden is a junior at the University of Michigan majoring in psychology while on a pre-med track. His passion for psychology came about after coming to college and learning about this field of study. In the future he plans on becoming a doctor and realized that one of the best ways to help his future patients is by understanding how they think and how their behavior is associated with that way of thinking. Anthony is one of the few people in his family to attend a 4-year university and one of his main goals in life is to encourage people from different minority groups to pursue higher education. In his spare time he likes to draw, cook, and model for charity fashion shows. After college Anthony plans on attending medical school with the hopes of becoming either an Ob/Gyn or an Urologist.
Rosa Avilez
Undergraduate Student
Rosa Avilez is a sophomore at the University of Michigan. Rosa wants to major in Psychology and one day attend a graduate program and get her PhD in Psychology. She is the second oldest but is the first-generation Hispanic college student of her whole family. Ever since she could remember Rosa has wanted to get a better understanding of not only the human mind, but also of psychopathology and she wants to be able to help those who suffer from mental illnesses. She wants to be able to say that she not only helped people but that she also managed to make a difference in their lives. Aside from figuring out the wonders of the mind Rosa loves to read, write, and draw and hopes to publish a book someday.
Maria Zhang
Undergraduate Student
Maria Zhang is a sophomore at the University of Michigan studying Psychology and medicine. Maria is particularly interested in clinical psychology in regards to psychopathology and behavior. She has always been invested in changing the stigma against mental illnesses in society. After college, Maria intends to attend medical school to study pathology, pharmacology, and so much more. She aspires to become a health care professional who will both heal others as well as promote a mentally healthy lifestyle. Maria is very passionate about helping others and hopes that she can continue her learning and research throughout college and beyond.
Alba Guxholli
Undergraduate Student
Alba is a freshman in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan and plans to major in Cellular and Molecular Biology. She wants to pursue a career in medical research with a focus in genetics and hopes to incorporate aspects of psychology into that. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking, and reading. She is passionate about helping other and hopes to do this by furthering her academic and professional career.
Jerin Lee
Graduate Student
Jerin Lee recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Applied Statistics. Jerin is attending the University of Michigan as a graduate student through the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program (AMDP) in Psychology, focusing on Clinical Science. Jerin is currently interested in health behaviors, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making (e.g., motivation), as well as the similarities between and differences across the perceptions and adjustment of individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, writing, and reading. After earning her M.S. in Psychology through the AMDP, Jerin hopes to further her education in Clinical Psychology and pursue a PhD.
Emmalee Mills
Undergraduate Student
Emmalee Mills is an incoming senior at the University of Michigan studying secondary education with a major in French and a minor in psychology. Emmalee is interested in the effects of chronic illness on quality of life and is excited to gain more experience in the psychology lab itself. After graduating, she hopes to further study psychology and French, perhaps at an international level.
Carly Wilson
Undergraduate Student
Carly Wilson is a junior at the University of Michigan. She is majoring in Psychology and is pursuing a second major in American Culture or Women’s Studies. Carly is currently interested in gender differences in development and aiding lower SES adolescents. She was previously a group leader for Project Outreach and is pursuing the Clinical Psychology PhD track through working as a clinical intern at the University Center for Child and Family. In her free time, Carly enjoys spending time outdoors back in Northern California where her family is from.
Melody Allyn
Undergraduate Student
Melody Allyn is a senior at the University of Michigan. She is majoring in movement science through the School of Kinesiology and minoring in gender and health through the Women’s Studies Department. Melody is most passionate about studying how one’s race and socioeconomic standing affects their health, and she is particularly interested in the health discrepancies that disproportionately impact women. Growing up just outside of Detroit, Melody hopes to be able to provide for underserved communities by conducting research to develop individualized programs. In her spare time she loves to read and attend yoga classes. After graduation, she hopes to continue her education by attending graduate school in public health.
Lizbeth Diaz
Undergraduate Student
Lizbeth Diaz is a sophomore at the University of Michigan studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, and minoring in Crime and Justice. Growing up in Southwest Detroit has inspired her to pursue Education Administration and Policy in efforts to prepare urban students for higher education. She is involved with PILOT, Ann Arbor Language Partnership, La Celebracion Latina Planning Committee, MSTEM, RTMUS lab, and LA CASA on campus. Her hobbies include walking, cooking, word searches, and jigsaw puzzles.
Nicholas Powell
Undergraduate Student
Nicholas Powell is junior at the University of Michigan, majoring in Black Studies and Psychology with a minor in Business Administration. As a black first-generation college student, he finds solace in this lab knowing they are doing wonderful work, that is aimed toward saving lives and changing minds. When he is not researching injustices, he is most likely fighting them, as an executive board member of 4 minority student oriented campus organizations. Either that, or he is sleeping, playing video games, or listening to his nephew beautifully croon his ABCs.
Sarah Chartier
Undergraduate Student
Sarah Chartier is a junior at the University of Michigan currently studying Biology and a potentially minoring in Sociology of Health and Medicine. In the field of psychology, Sarah is primarily interested in studying interventions for individuals suffering from negative life events. She aspires to become a health care professional that advocates for adequate health care for individuals subject to wealth disparity. After college, she plans to attend graduate school to study Genetic Counseling and Public Health, which will allow her to assess disease inheritance risk in individuals and provide appropriate support for them and their families.
Tey’Ariana Marshall-Broaden
Undergraduate Student
Tey’Ariana Marshall-Broaden is a junior at the University of Michigan, majoring in psychology and English. She is very interested in clinical psychology and working with children and adolescents. Tey’Ariana is a fun and energetic first generation college student who loves to shop as well as find creative outlets to express herself. While attending the university, she drives the blue Michigan buses and is also involved in many different student organizations, including volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. She aspires to one day attend graduate school in order to obtain a Ph.D in psychology.
Sally Kafelghazal
Undergraduate Student
Sally Kafelghazal is a sophomore at the Univeristy of Michigan who plans on graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and attending a graduate program to receive a PhD. Becoming a psychologist has always been an aspiration of Sally’s, and she intends to establish her own practice and teach at universities. She would also like to continue working in the research field, as she is particularly interested in child psychology. In addition, as a first generation Arab-American, she intends on reaching out to those who have been impacted by the Syrian revolution.
Casey Batterbee
Undergraduate Student
Casey is a junior pursuing a double major in Psychology and Music, and a minor in Community Action and Social Change. He is very enthusiastic about Indian culture and language, and has traveled to India past two summers to both volunteer in villages and study Indian Classical Dance. Within psychology, he is most passionate about helping minority and low-SES communities, specifically. He intends to achieve this through clinical psychology and social work and wants to conduct further research with such populations to influence broader change. His hope is to pursue a dual-PhD in Clinical Psychology and Social Work.
Tina Yu
Undergraduate Student Coordinator
Tina Yu is a recent graduate of the Honors College at the University of Michigan. She majored in psychology and completed a minor in Asian/Pacific Islander American studies. In the field of research, Tina’s main interests lie in studying maladjustment, positive future cognitions, and the specific effects of culture and context on psychological and physical adjustment, especially in Asian American populations. On campus, Tina was on the make-up and photography team for SHEI magazine and a part of the Asian American Mentorship Program.
Kayla Stam
Undergraduate Student
Kayla Stam is a student at the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in Psychology. Kayla has a strong interest in clinical psychology with particular interest in examining experiences of trauma among sexual assault survivors, domestic abuse survivors, and veterans. Kayla plans to volunteer with programs designed to support families of active duty military personnel and to attend graduate school in the fall of 2018.
Dena Bazzi
Undergraduate Student
Dena is a sophomore at the University of Michigan pursuing a major in Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience. Dena hopes to pursue a career in which she can work with individuals suffering from various mental illnesses as mental health is very important to her. Aside from this, her hobbies include hanging out with friends & family, blogging, and community service. Dena hopes to attend medical school in the year of 2019 in order to become a psychiatrist.
Kaitlin Wright
Undergraduate Student
Kaitlin Wright is a student at the University of Michigan. She is currently majoring in psychology with a minor in medical anthropology. Kaitlin has strong interests in clinical psychology and is eager to examine the links between physical and psychological health and well-being in adults. She plans to continue her education by pursuing graduate studies in clinical psychology. Kaitlin is on the University of Michigan’s Women’s Rowing Team and is training to compete on the national team.
Gianna Hill
Undergraduate Student
Gianna Hill is a student at the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience with a minor in Gender and Health. She is passionate about research and practice associated with sports psychology, and hopes to work as a sports consultant for collegiate and/or professional sports teams, where she can also apply strategies that consider a more nuanced approach when working with male compared to female athletes. Gianna is a member of the University of Michigan’s Club Water Ski Team and has been skiing competitively for over 10 years.
Alexandria Najarian
Undergraduate Student
Alexandria Najarian is a student at the University of Michigan. She is planning on majoring in psychology and is interested in pursuing a minor in Modern Greek. She has a strong interest in many aspects of psychology, but is especially interested in both sports psychology and abnormal psychology. Her interest in sports psychology stems from her participation on the University of Michigan’s Women’s Varsity Tennis Team, where she was part of the 2015 Big Ten champion team.
Anders Neilsen
Undergraduate Student Co-ordinator
Anders Nielsen is currently a Junior at the University of Michigan. He is majoring in psychology and is pursuing a minor in business as well. Anders has many interest in the field of psychology, but has a great interest in sports psychology. His interest in sports psychology comes from his participation as a member of the Men’s swimming and diving team, where he was a part of the team that won a national championship in 2013. Furthermore, he competed in the 2012 London Olympic Games for his native country Denmark.
Junjie Qu
Undergraduate Student
Junjie (Kyle) Qu is a student at Syracuse University. He is majoring in psychology. Kyle has a strong interest in cross-cultural research and a personal interest in expanding the importance of psychology to a larger international audience, especially among Chinese. Within the China Lab, he has worked on projects in the past involving the link between loneliness and suicidal risk, and cultural variations in predictors of psychological adjustment between Chinese and American adults. Kyle hopes to continue to work on studies that help clarify the psychology of Chinese in future research. In his spare time, he enjoys studying philosophy and playing music. In the future, Kyle plans to further his education by pursuing graduate studies in psychology, with a focus culture and adjustment.
Peijun Li
Undergraduate Student
Peijun (Peggy) Li is a student at University of Ontario Institute of Technology. She is majoring in marketing and has strong interests in consumer psychology. Before joining the lab, she worked as an intern at China Contribution Bank International. Within the China Lab, Peggy is interested in examining cultural variations in consumer behavior between Chinese and American adults, which may have important implications for marketing different types of products to these groups. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and doing volunteer work. In the future, Peggy plans to pursue a career in business that optimally involves a synergy of her interests in culture, marketing, and consumer psychology.
Muting Wu
Undergraduate Student
Muting Wu is a student at University of Michigan. He will be majoring in electrical engineering, but plans to take courses in psychology. Prior to joining the China Lab, he worked in the Technology Department of an IT company. Within the China Lab, Muting is interested in studying cultural variations in studying habits/behaviors and in predictors of psychological adjustment, especially as they involve the study of Chinese students. Beyond these activities, he is often working on solving interesting and complex engineering problems and doing volunteer work when he has free time.
Naveed Iqball
Undergraduate Student
Naveed Iqball is currently a fifth year senior at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. He is majoring in movement science, with an additional interest in psychology. He currently coaches tennis at the Huron Valley Tennis Club and Rudolf Steiner High School, and he enjoys working with kids on both the physical and mental aspect of the sport. Prior to Dr. Chang’s lab, Naveed worked with Dr. Brown in the motor control lab, studying how age and cognitive loading affect grip force. He was part of the initial prototyping team for Centricycle, an organization that developed an affordable and easily accessible blood centrifuge for use in rural areas in India. Naveed is interested in mental health, public health, sport and performance psychology, and movement science. He plans on attending graduate school in clinical psychology.
Jackson Goethe
Undergraduate Student
Xiang Lian
Undergraduate Student
Xiang Lian is currently a sophomore student at the University of Michigan. Although she is currently undeclared, she is planning to transfer to Ross business school and major in psychology and economics. She is currently taking advanced math, statistics, and economic classes but is also interested in developmental psychology, organizational psychology, and interdisciplinary studies of psychology and economics. Additionally, she is a member of China Entrepreneur Network (CEN) in the University of Michigan, and participates in international business events and case competitions. Her future plans are heavily focused on a career in the field of business.
Wenwen Jia
Undergraduate Student
Wenwen Jia is currently a sophomore in the Honors College at the Michigan State University. She is majoring in Finance and also interested in pursuing a minor in actuarial science. As a member of Dr. Chang’s lab, she has worked on varies projects such as predicting family life satisfaction in American and Chinese students and examining loneliness and sexual assault as predictors of suicidal risk and interpersonal sources of life satisfaction in US and China. In addition to working in Dr. Chang’s lab, she is also doing some financial research related to stock portfolio risk management and measurement with the professors at MSU. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and doing volunteer work. In the future, she plans to further her education and pursue a masters degree.
Qin Hu
Undergraduate Student
Qin Hu is currently an undergraduate student in the Board College of Business at Michigan State University. She is majoring in Finance and minoring in mathematics and theatre. Before joining the lab, she travelled to seven European Countries as a student ambassador to visit several top 500 companies and investigate local conditions and customs. Currently, aside from working with Dr. Chang in the China Lab, she is also an orientation aid working with new students at MSU. Qin enjoys studying fields like anthropology, archaeology, biochemistry, design, and film appreciation in addition to psychology.
Erin Fowler
Undergraduate Student
Erin Fowler is currently a Junior in the college of Literature, Science & Arts at the University of Michigan pursuing a double major in Psychology and Women’s Studies. Before working in Dr. Chang’s lab, Erin has research experience in a Social Psychology lab and a Public Health lab, both of which work closely with the Women’s Studies department. Her current research interests involve a focus on the impact of sexual assault and intimate partner violence on psychological adjustment, especially depression, anxiety, eating disturbances, and self-esteem.
Erin has previously been involved with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC). During Erin’s freshman year, she volunteered at MiddleWay House, a domestic violence shelter, through Michigan’s Alternative Spring Break program. When she returned to campus, she continued her work with domestic violence survivors and their children at SafeHouse Center. In her spare time, Erin enjoys playing piano and guitar, singing, running, tennis, knitting, and reading. After graduation, she plans on attending a graduate program for Clinical Psychology or Pubic Health.
Jacinth Lin
Undergraduate Student
Jiachen/Jacinth Lin is currently a Junior at the University of Michigan. She is majoring in Psychology and Biomolecular Science. Jiachen is interested in psychological issues in different racial and ethnic groups, particularly Asian and Asian American. She also has a strong interest in the development and future of psychology in China. In the past, Jiachen has also worked in Dr. Papagerakis’ s lab, in which they focused on using gingival stem cells to regenerate tissues. Besides research experience, she is also volunteering at UM hospital and other student organizations, such as Youth Hope Organization and Mountain Children. She enjoys spending time running, watching movies, reading and visiting museums. George Orwell is her favorite writer, and inspires her in many different ways. In the future, she hopes to continue her education in psychology and health field.
Laura Vargas
Undergraduate Student
Laura Vargas is currently a sophomore in the college of Literature, Science & Arts at the University of Michigan. She is double majoring in Psychology and International Studies and minoring in Community Action and Social Change, through the School of Social Work. Prior to working in Dr. Chang’s lab, Laura worked in Dr. Joshua Ackerman’s Evolutionary Social Psychology lab studying how the threat of contagious disease shapes people’s preferences. Her research interests are positive psychology and counseling in mental health. Laura is passionate about helping others and has been a volunteer at the St. Joseph hospital in Ann Arbor, the Miami Rescue Mission and has spent many years mentoring and working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. She plans on attending graduate school to ultimately attain a PhD in psychology so that she can practice clinical psychology while continuing her research.
Mine Muyan
Graduate Student
Mine Muyan is a visiting research scholar at the Department of Psychology in the University of Michigan. She is a Ph. D. candidate in Psychological Counseling and Guidance Program at Middle East Technical University (METU), Turkey. She received her B.A. in Psychological Counseling and Guidance at Hacettepe University, Turkey. She is a research assistant in psychological counseling and guidance program at METU, Turkey. She is assisting “Behavior Disorders” and “Guidance” courses during the fall and spring terms. Her research interests are counseling in mental health, hope, positive psychology, social media, loneliness, sense of belonging, social relationships and preventative counseling services.
muyan@metu.edu.tr
Christina Hallmann
Undergraduate Student
Christina Hallmann is a student at the University of Michigan. She is majoring in psychology, with a potential minor in Sexuality Studies. Christina has interests in understanding the mutual relationship between emotional well-being and sports performance. In the near future, she hopes to participate in a service-based study abroad program in Uganda. After college, Christina intends to pursue graduate work in psychology and/or social work. As an athlete, she is a thrower on the University of Michigan’s Women’s Track and Field team.
Gabrielle Cuzzola
Undergraduate Student
Gabrielle Cuzzola is a student at the University of Michigan majoring in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, (BCN), with a minor in entrepreneurship. She is interested in behavioral psychology and the use of behavioral interventions to help people. Upon graduation, Gabrielle hopes to further her education to identify ways to support and help PTSD victims and their families. Currently, she is a member on the University of Michigan’s Women’s Lacrosse Team.
Emily Svitek
Undergraduate Student
Emily Svitek is a student at the University of Michigan. She is majoring in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN), with the hopes of going to graduate school to obtain a Master’s in Social Work. Emily plans to work in the health care system, with a specific focus on children and/or palliative care. Being a student athlete, she seeks to find an optimal balance between being an aspiring student and a competitive athlete. Emily is currently a member of the University of Michigan’s Women’s Varsity Rowing Team.
Zunaira Jilani
Graduate Student
Yifeng Du
Undergraduate Student
Yifeng (Yvonne) Du is a student at the University of San Diego. She is majoring in psychology and minoring in Asian studies. In the field of behavioral science, Yvonne has strong interests in positive psychology and cross-cultural psychology, especially involving the study of Asian and Asian American populations. As a member of both Dr.Chang’s Perfectionism and Optimism-Pessimism lab and his China Lab, she has already begun work on a number of different projects, ranging from studies on coping and adjustment among HIV seropositive East Asians, the role of personal growth initiative in Chinese adults, and a study examining the unique value of family growth initiative over personal growth initiative in Chinese and American adults. On campus, at the University of San Diego, she was a board member of the International Student Organization. In her spare time, she enjoys doing volunteer work. In the future, Yvonne plans to further her education by pursuing graduate studies in psychology, with a focus on culture and well-being.
Wenting Chen
Undergraduate Student
Wenting (Wendy) Chen is a student at the University of New South Wales, Australia, and is currently studying abroad at the University of Michigan. Prior to joining the lab, she gained research experience working with social psychologists at UNSW. Wendy has strong interests in studying the role and impact of social media on human behavior, and in framing our understanding of the link between behavior and adjustment from a cross-cultural perspective (e.g., variations in adjustment between Easterners and Westerners). In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and photography. In the near future, Wendy plans to enter a doctoral program in clinical psychology.
Michelle Kim
Undergraduate Student
Michelle Kim is a student at the University of Michigan, and is a member of the Michigan Research Community, the residential affiliate of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. She is currently majoring in Economics, with current interests in following a pre-law track. Michelle has strong interests in psychology based on her general fascination for understanding people’s behaviors and motives. She is especially interested in the study of depression and mental health, as it is a growing concern in society. On campus, Michelle is involved with Active Minds, the American Advertising Federation, and CMA EDU. After college, she is planning on attending graduate school and setting forth on a career that she is truly passionate about.
Reilly Ankers
Undergraduate Student
Reilly Ankers is a student at the University of Michigan. He is majoring in psychology and is interested in minoring in Spanish. Reilly has a deep passion for both sports and psychology, which has led to his emerging interests in sports psychology. His interest in psychology was strongly influenced by his grandfather who was himself a clinical therapist. Reilly plans to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist. He is on the University of Michigan’s Club Boxing Team which placed second at national’s during his freshman year.
Briley Casanova
Undergraduate Student
Briley Casanova is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Michigan pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. She is especially passionate about sport and performance psychology along with mental health in athletics. Briley plans to go to graduate school and eventually practice counseling and supporting student-athletes’ mental health in a university setting. Her interest for sport psychology stems from her role of Senior Team Captain on the University of Michigan Varsity Women’s Gymnastics Team.
Reed Hrynewich
Undergraduate Student
Bradley Anlauf
Undergraduate Student
Bradley Anlauf is a student at the University of Michigan. He is currently double majoring in psychology and political science. Bradley has a deep interest in the intersection point between psychology and politics. He plans on pursuing graduate studies in public policy or public service. Bradley enjoys examining how psychology concepts can be implemented through public service in order to help create better communities. Bradley spent one year on the University of Michigan Varsity Basketball Team helping them win a Big Ten championship and has spent his remaining eligibility on the University of Michigan Varsity Football Team
Madison Mottlowitz
Undergraduate Student
Madison Mottlowitz is currently a senior at the University of Michigan. She is a student in the College of Literature, Science & Arts; and is majoring in Psychology. She hopes to further her education and receive a master’s degree in Social Work, with a focus on mental health. It is her hopes that one day she will be employed as a Social Worker/Therapist for a professional sports team or athletic department at a University. Madison played club lacrosse at the University of Michigan, and then proceeded to row for the University’s division one rowing team for one year. In her spare time, Madison is an avid practitioner of yoga, and aims to complete her Yoga Teacher Certification in Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga. There is also a possibility that she will further her studies in Psychology- specializing in Sports Psychology.
Chris O’Neil
Undergraduate Student
Chris O’Neill is currently a junior in the college of Literature, Science & Arts at the University of Michigan pursuing a major in Psychology. He is especially interested in sex differences within sports and the make up of great athletes. Apart from working in Dr. Chang’s lab, Chris is a member of the university golf team. Along with being an athlete, Chris is one of his team’s representatives for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). When time allows he also enjoys playing basketball, watching movies, and telling jokes. After college he plans to turn pro and pursue a career in professional golf.
Yuki Minami
Undergraduate Student
Yuki Minami is a current sophomore transfer student to the University of Michigan, College of Literature, Science, and Arts. She is studying as a psychology-orientated student and hopes to major in that field. While not sure what career this may lead into, Yuki is interested in helping people and hopes that her experience with this research lab helps guide her future goals. After graduation, Yuki hopes to attend a graduate program and further her education. On her free time she enjoys good company, traveling, snowboarding, and baking.
Jillian Nestor
Undergraduate Student
Jillian Nestor is currently a sophomore in the Residential College at the University of Michigan. She is hoping to pursue a minor in French and major in a field that combines her interests in the social sciences-namely, psychology, economics, and sociology. She works in Dr. Chang’s lab through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and is very excited to embark on research involving issues that affect people profoundly every day. She also works frequently in the East Quad Dining Hall as a Student Coordinator and is a member of the University of Michigan Women’s Glee Club. In her spare time, Jillian enjoys playing musical instruments, singing, and reading. Jillian is currently in the process of determining her plans after her graduation, and hopes to find a career/education path that synthesizes all her interests in a meaningful way.
Amir Anuar
Undergraduate Student
Amir Anuar is currently a sophomore at the University of Michigan. His current major is Psychology and is planning to double major in Organizational Studies. Amir is interested in organizational psychology particularly in motivation, competency and culture in an organization. He plans to further his education after college with graduate school and eventually work in large organizations. He is currently a student coordinator in East Quad Dining Hall, where he learns how to manage students and workers on a daily basis. He believes that to truly understand an organization, he should work his way up the organization chart and identify problems with the experience gained in the process.
Elizabeth A. Yu
Graduate Student
Elizabeth Yu is a graduate student in the Psychology Department at the University of Michigan, studying Clinical Psychology. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, at the University of Michigan and graduated with honors in Psychology with a minor in Applied Statistics. Since joining the lab her sophomore year in undergrad, Elizabeth has been involved in a variety of research activities. She has attended and presented at local, regional, and national conferences, including meetings at the annual Association for Psychological Science, the annual American Psychological Association, the Society for Research in Psychopathology, and the annual Asian American Psychological Association. Elizabeth has also co-authored several research papers that are currently published or in press. Those journals include Cognitive Therapy and Research and The Journal of Positive Psychology. Additionally, Elizabeth has also recently worked as an assistant to Dr. Chang on a forthcoming special issue in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry looking at adult psychopathology and the DSM from various Asian perspectives. Furthermore, Elizabeth has co-authored two chapters in an upcoming edited volume on positive psychology theory, research, assessment, and practice in racial and ethnic minorities.
Her current research interests include the study of positive future cognitions (e.g., optimism, hope, future orientation, & positive problem orientation), with a focus on examining when “doubling up” on such cognitions proffer additional positive consequences, as well as the role of other individual differences processes (e.g., perfectionism, self-construal, & loneliness) in determining variations in depression, suicidal behavior, and eating dysfunctions. In addition, Elizabeth applies a cultural lens to her study of psychological phenomena, with a particular interest in trying to identify key antecedents, concomitants, and consequences of psychological and physical health in Asian and Asian American populations as well as other ethnic minority groups such as Latino Americans. One of her future goals is to work to identify empirically-supported strategies that will help diverse ethnic groups live better lives while respecting the cultural context from which they emerge.
Elizabeth is an active member of a variety of organizations on campus (e.g., Psi Chi)and she is a member of the Association of Psychological Science, the American Psychological Association, the Asian American Psychological Association, the International Association of Applied Psychology, and Sigma Xi.
Elizabeth hopes to one day attain a position as a Professor of Psychology so that she may continue to pursue her passion for doing scientific research and to teach others about the value of scientific engagement to understand and solve complex psychological problems.
Shao Wei Chia
Undergraduate Student
Shao Wei is currently an undergraduate at the University of Michigan majoring in Psychology. He also plans to pursue minors in Applied Statistics and Business. Before joining the lab, Shao Wei did the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) during his sophomore year. Together with Dr. Karin Martin, he investigated how parents, providers, and the state assess and understand good childcare through studying conflicts around care. Through the UROP experience, he presented his research at the annual UROP Spring Symposium and was awarded the Blue Ribbon for the outstanding visual and verbal presentation. He also works in the Health, Attitudes, and Influence Lab (HAILab), a Social Psychology lab headed by Dr. Allison Earl. The lab tries to address causes and consequences of selection and attention to persuasive messages, particularly in a health context. As a research assistant, his responsibilities are scheduling and running participants, performing data entry, data cleaning and data coding, searching for relevant literature, and attending weekly lab meetings that includes presentations and discussions of current literature in the field. In Spring 2013, he studied abroad in China for three weeks through the Global Course Connection (GCC) program). Together with Dr. Kevin Miller, Dr. Kai Cortina and his classmates from PSYCH 457 (Research Methods in Educational Settings), they brought their project from the United States to China and continued working on it for cross-cultural comparison purposes. Besides that, during the conference at the Beijing Normal University, he presented the “Eye-tracking study about Children’s Self-Regulation with comparison between the Chinese and American children”. This year, he is working on an honors thesis with Dr. Pamela Davis-Kean and Dr. Daniel Keating. The project looks into college students’ perception of parental differential treatment between themselves and their high-achieving siblings, students’ sibling relationships, and the associations between their perceptions and their development outcomes in terms of achievement, self-esteem, and possible depressive symptomatology.
Currently, Shao Wei is actively involved in the Tzu Chi Collegiate Association (TCCA), serving as the Academic Chair for the Undergraduate Psychology Society (UPS), a UROP Peer Advisor and also a member of Psi Chi. As of now, Shao Wei is still deciding whether he wants to go into Child Clinical or Developmental Psychology for graduate school.
Hannah McCabe
Undergraduate Student
Hannah McCabe is a student at the University of Michigan. She is planning to major in Psychology and minor in Applied Statistics. Hannah has been interested in psychology since her junior year of high school, and is particularly interested in depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders that affect millions every day. She hopes to one day earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and go on to either having her own therapy practice or continuing in research. Hannah is currently a member of the Michigan Marching Band, where she plays the Piccolo. She has always had a passion for music, and hopes to continue playing for years to come. In high school, Hannah was heavily involved in the sport Crew, and also in her school’s classical and marching bands.
Emma R. Kahle
Emma Kahle graduated from the University of Michigan with a major in Psychology and a minor in Community Action and Social Change. During her three years in the lab, Emma garnered both a strong conceptual and a clear practical understanding of how research processes and products inform and sustain each other. She has been involved in presenting scientific research posters at local, regional (e.g., MPA), and national conferences (e.g., APA, APS, SRP). In addition, Emma has co-authored a number of papers, including one recent submission that focuses on the centrality of hope in understanding the associations of religiosity and spirituality with negative mood in primary care patients. Eager to impact social change, she has worked on co-developing another research project, one that examined her notion of how experience of domestic violence may lead to the development of depression through a lost sense of belongingness among female victims. Emma’s research interests involve the study of how psychological capital (e.g., optimism, hope, belongingness) may help mitigate the effects of social injustices and health disparities among marginalized members of society (e.g., immigrants, refugees, ethnic/minority groups, victims of domestic violence). Her long-term goal is to obtain a position as a Professor of Social Work to continue her research and education efforts that will ultimately lead to meaningful and measurable changes to improve the quality of living for all members of society.
At Michigan, Emma was an active member of several local organizations that seek to empower and support less fortunate others (e.g., University of Michigan’s Alternative Spring Break). She actively volunteered her spare time at a refugee center associated with Jewish Family Services and offers support in the English Language Institute to assist those for whom communicating and understanding English is a great intercultural barrier to adjustment at the university. Emma is also a member of the American Psychological Association, the International Association of Applied Psychology, and Sigma Xi. After graduating from Michigan, Emma will continue her education in the Social Welfare doctoral program at Wisconsin University.
Viviana Hernandez
Viviana Hernandez is an undergraduate student in the school of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Viviana was a member of Chang Lab through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity program for the duration of her Freshman year. In high school she spent most of her time volunteering, playing volleyball, and being academically engaged. She has volunteered at health clinics, instructed at volleyball camps, done student tutoring, and soon will be volunteering in hospice. Viviana enjoys watching and playing sports, reading, and listening to all types of music. She hopes to pursue a major in Psychology and is also thinking of pursuing another at the same time. After graduating, she would like to continue in the field of psychology by earning a Ph..D. in clinical psychology.
Paige Porter
Paige is an undergraduate student in the Residential College within the school of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She plans to major in Psychology and graduate with a minor in French. Throughout high school, much of her time was spent involved in extra-curricular groups and activities within the music department, including various choral ensembles and musicals. She also participated and placed in regional and state choral competitions both her junior and senior year. Aside from that, she was a part of various academic and volunteer organizations as well as her schools French Club, and volleyball team. At the University, Paige is a member of the Residential College Singers, and spends the majority of her spare time reading, listening to music, writing, and remaining active through recreational sports. After her years as an undergraduate, she plans to attend graduate school, eventually pursuing a career in clinical psychology.
Joanna Rew
Joanna Rew is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She is pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Japanese language. She is interested in cross-cultural psychology and psychopathology, focusing on the relationships and interactions between Asian and Western cultures. She is an active member of the Japanese Student Association, participates in medical interpretation workshops, and has tutored ESL students with disabilities. Outside of school, Joanna enjoys traveling, attending music festivals, watching foreign films, and driving.
Pallavi Babu
Pallavi is currently a junior in the Honors Program of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. She recently joined the lab this winter term and is planning a major in psychology, with hopes to pursue another degree in either sociology or statistics. On campus, she plays the violin in the Michigan Pops Orchestra and Campus Symphony Orchestra. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she would like to attend graduate school to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.
Christine Ton Nu
Christine Ton Nu is currently a sophomore in the school of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She spent most of her time volunteering in various health clinics throughout high school and tutoring struggling elementary students on a daily basis. With an interest in the humanities and sciences, she has worked with a Lansing councilwoman on a study to promote the connection between environmental health and personal health in underprivileged areas. Currently, she is an active volunteer with FEMMES (Females Excelling More in Math Engineering and Science) and FIMRC. She is also a member of Michigan Roteract where she is a part of the Local Service and Professional Development committees, respectively. In her free time, Christine enjoys cooking, watching crime TV shows, and reading outdoors. She is hoping to pursue a major in Psychology, and is interested in other fields of science as well.
Jenny Y. Lee
Jenny Lee is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Cultural Anthropology. While in the lab, Jenny had immersed herself in many projects and research experiences, ranging from developing and testing hypotheses, analyzing and interpreting data, presenting research findings at national conferences (e.g., Society for Research in Psychopathology), to co-authoring papers that are currently published in Cognitive Therapy and Research and The Journal of Positive Psychology. After graduation, Jenny plans to pursue a doctoral degree in a graduate clinical psychology program. In order to help educate and mentor others about the value of understanding and doing science, she aspires to one day work as a clinical scientist within a university setting. Jenny’s research interests involved the study of the relations and the multiple functions of important personality processes (e.g., perfectionism, optimism-pessimism) in determining adjustment in ethnically and racially diverse populations. She is also interested in identifying possible mechanisms for associations that have been found between personality and adjustment, as well as identifying particular contexts under which the magnitude of such associations are dependent on.
Jenny is an active member of APA101, a group that mentors the community of incoming Asian American students to the University of Michigan. She is also a member of the American Psychological Association, the Asian American Psychological Association, the International Association of Applied Psychology, and Sigma Xi.
Kathryn Colasanti
Kathryn Colasanti was involved in the lab through the University of Michigan’s Undergraduate Research Program. She will be a sophomore in Literature, Science, and the Arts. She was a Cross-Country Captain and was on the Varsity Tennis Team. She was a state finalist in DECA – a national career and technology student organization which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs studying marketing; she also participated in Cats Connect, a mentoring program in her high school. Kate enjoys running, working out, and relaxing with friends or reading. She is currently undecided in her major but is interested in Psychology and other fields of science.
Jie Ling Kuan
Jie Ling Kuan will be a junior this Fall 2013 at the University of Michigan. She is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Linguistics. Joining the lab through Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Jie Ling had been involved in conducting literature review, performing data collection and analysis, and preparing for research posters for presentation. She presented a poster at the Midwestern Psychological Association 85th Annual Meeting, as well as other local conferences. Upon graduation, Jie Ling plans to pursue a graduate degree in either Clinical or Developmental Psychology. Jie Ling has been involved in studies looking at personality variables such as optimism and hope, in its relation to adjustment factors such as suicide risk. Additionally, she is also interested in exploring research topics combining both Psychology and Linguistics, such as Second Language Acquisition and Bilingualism. Currently, Jie Ling is actively involved in the Tzu Chi Collegiate Association (TCCA) and is serving as a board member on the University of Michigan Malaysian Students Association (MiMSA). She is also a member of the American Psychological Association Division 35 and Sigma Xi.
Yvonne Kupfermann
Yvonne Kupfermann graduated from the University of Michigan with a dual major in Psychology and Political Science. She is currently furthering her education at the University of Notre Dame Law School.
During her time in the lab, Yvonne was highly active in a wide range of research activities, from designing studies, analyzing data, to preparing research posters for presentation. She presented her research at local, regional, and national scientific conferences, as well as co-authored several papers peer reviewed papers. Yvonne’s research interests have included studies focusing on perfectionism, optimism-pessimism, and other personality variables that are believed to be involved in depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior, and eating disorders. In addition, she wishes to situate a more nuanced understanding of the relations between key personality variables and health outcomes within a broader cultural framework, with a particular interest in studying people of East European (e.g., Hungarian, Polish) heritage. During her time at Michigan, Yvonne was an active member of Club Tennis, Michigan Pre-Law Society and MUSIC Matters. She is also a member of the American Psychological Association, the International Association of Applied Psychology, the Asian American Psychological Association, and Sigma Xi.
Marisa J. Perera
Marisa graduated with honors in Psychology from the University of Michigan and continued to receive her Masters degree through the Accelerated Degree Program at the University of Michigan. Marisa is currently pursuing her PhD in the Clinical Health Psychology Program at the University of Miami where she hopes to continue to advance her knowledge and skills in becoming a more effective social scientist and educator. Marisa hopes to one day attain a position as a Professor in Psychology. Her current interests span a number of different areas, including the study of individual differences variables like optimism and perfectionism, as well as the role of interpersonal functioning on adjustment, with a particular interest in mood disorders and somatic symptomatology. In addition, she has an interest in studying how culture may impact our understanding of psychological processes. Marisa is particularly interested in the study of Asian Americans, including South Asian Americans.
During her time in the lab, Marisa had been active in a number of different projects and had worked to assist new members as they join the lab. To date, she has presented more than a dozen presentations at scientific research meetings, ranging from local to national conferences, as well as co-authored several papers that have been published or accepted for publication, with additional papers submitted for publication. Marisa was selected by APS/Psi Chi for a Summer Research Grant (2012) to study self-worth and eating dysfunction in South Asians.
During her time at the University of Michigan, Marisa was an active member of Residential Staff, as a Residential Advisor, and the Indian American Student Association. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the International Association of Applied Psychology, the Asian American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and Sigma Xi.
Natalie J. Lin
Natalie J. Lin graduated in May 2011 double majoring in psychology and piano performance at the University of Michigan. Since May 2009, she has been working as a research assistant for Dr. Edward Chang and has explored many topics related to Clinical Psychology, including rumination, optimism/pessimism, loneliness, and perfectionsim. She wrote an honors thesis examining the role of maximizing motives in the link between perfection and adjustment in college students. As a musician, her interest in studying a maximizing motives stemmed from her curiosity about the difference between the levels of perfection during a practice versus performance setting.
Since graduating, Natalie has been working as a lab manager and research assistant for Dr. Ethan Kross and Dr. Robin Edelstein in the psychology department at the University of Michigan. She is currently attending University of Michigan’s School of Public Health.
Abbey J. Herringshaw
Abbey Herringshaw is currently a senior psychology major. She has been working in Dr. Chang’s lab since her sophomore year and has investigated topics such as rumination, loneliness and perfectionism. Her current study is focused on how loneliness and perfectionism predict psychological adjustment in a cross-cultural sample. Abbey also works at the University of Michigan Autism and Communicative Disorders Center and is a member of Psi Chi and Sigma Xi. She plans to graduate in Spring of 2012 and hopes to then begin working in a clinical psychology Ph.D program.
Lauryn A. Zawistowski
Lauryn A. Zawistowski is currently a Senior at the University of Michigan. She is majoring is Psychology and Spanish, as well as minoring in Music. Her particular interests lie in Clinical Psychology, within the specific areas of research involving child and adult psychopathology, including substance abuse, addictions, and other problem behaviors. She hopes to one day attend graduate school and earn a degree in Clinical Psychology in order to facilitate research and/or practice.
Besides her interests in psychology, Lauryn plays the piccolo in the Michigan marching band. In addition, she is a member of Migrant and Immigrant Rights Advocacy (MIRA), a group whose aim is to raise awareness of the injustices that many of today’s immigrants face, including those living in Ann Arbor.
Yemen Yang
Yemen Yang is currently a Senior at the University of Michigan double majoring in Biochemistry and Psychology. She recently joined Dr. Edward Chang’s lab and is most interested in learning about social anxiety, optimism, and perfectionism. In the future, she plans to attend the University of Michigan School of Pharmacy and eventually become a clinical pharmacist. She is also working in a biomedical lab that is currently investigating the effects of deletion of the PTG gene in mice.
Yemen is also involved with various Asian American clubs, including CSA and TASA, and the University of Michigan Ballroom Dance Team.
Angelina M. Issa
Angelina Issa is currently a Senior at The University of Michigan. She is a double major in Biology and Psychology, in hopes of pursuing a career in Neurosurgery. She plans on attending the Michigan Medical School and working at the University Hospital when she gets older. She has a passion for research and is currently a member of four separate labs: two Biology and two Psychology. Her Neurobiology lab is currently investigating TRPV channels and intercellular calcium signaling. She is also working on an independent project with a graduate student that deals with Histology and the coding of rat genomes at the Biomedical Center. Her Psychology lab is primarily focused on how social interactions influence decision-making. She is presently involved in three different social psychology projects. She recently joined Dr. Chang’s lab, and plans to later start a project that somehow relates to both Psychology and Medicine.
Set aside from her research, she’s also affiliated with the Pre-Medical club, Neuroscience Club, Society of Physics, Society of Leadership and Success, K-Grams, and hopes to soon become an active member of the Honor’s Club.
Melissa L. Ng
Melissa L. Ng graduated from the University of Michigan in May 2011 with a double major in Psychology and Mathematics: Teacher Certification. As a research assistant for Dr. Edward Chang, she explored topics related to Clinical Psychology more in depth. Ms. Ng’s future academic plans include pursuing a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology and a career in the education realm.
Melissa is also involved in the Michigan Club Tennis Team, the Vietnamese Student Association, Taiwanese Student Association, and Asian Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
Jean M. Kim
Jean M. Kim graduated with honors from the University of Michigan in May 2010 and earned her B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. As a research assistant for Dr. Edward Chang, her research has included an examination of optimistic and pessimistic bias in the prediction of physical and psychological health outcomes in Asian and European Americans. She has also done research looking at spirituality as a potential mediator between loneliness and psychological adjustment. Furthermore, at the Ann Arbor VA, she studied mindfulness therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder with Dr. Anthony King.
In addition to being a member of Psi Chi and APS, she has also served as the fundraising chair of the University of Michigan’s Circle K and volunteers at the Depression Center. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and piano.
Ms. Kim is currently a graduate student in the clinical science Ph.D. Program at University of Southern California.
William Tsai
William Tsai graduated from the University of Michigan with honors with his B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Applied Statistics. Since January 2008, he has been working as a research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Edward Chang. As a research assistant for Dr. Chang, William has studied ethnic/cultural differences in various constructs such as perfectionism, optimism/pessimism, and adjustment. He is interested in exploring ethnic/cultural differences in mental health care, and various factors that lead to successful acculturation and adjustment in the United States. Currently, he is working on an honors thesis on the relationship between rumination and adjustment comparing Asian Americans and European Americans.
In addition to his work in Dr. Chang’s lab, William has worked with Dr. Twila Tardif at the Center for Human Growth and Development (2007-2008). In Dr. Tardif’s lab, he studied the relationship between language and culture, and more specifically, the differences in language learning between Mandarin- and English-speaking infants.
William Tsai is currently a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at UCLA.
Kathleen Hazlett
Kathleen Hazlett graduated from the University of Michigan in May 2009. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Highest Honors and Distinction and completed a minor Applied Statistics. During her time as a member of Dr. Chang’s research lab Kathleen worked on various projects which addressed topics such as the effects of loneliness on the relationship between perfectionism and suicidal risk, the effects of social-problem solving and loneliness on adjustment, and the relations between perfectionism and adjustment. She was thrilled to be able to present findings from these studies at the APS, Sigma Xi, EPA, and ARP annual conferences.
Since graduating, Kathleen has been working as a research assistant in the neuropsychology section of the psychiatry department at U of M. Her primary responsibilities include administration of cognitive testing with depressed and bipolar patients, as well as control participants, and numerous responsibilities relating to fMRI data collection and processing.
Kathleen is currently a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Marquette University.
Kavita Srivastava
Kavita graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Psychology with Honors in Spring 2009. She is currently attending the University of Pennsylvania’s Pre-Health Specialized Studies Post Baccalaureate Program. She will receive her Certificate in Pre-Health Specialized Studies in April 2010 after which she plans to pursue an M.D.
Ritika Singh
Ritika Singh is currently a sophomore in the Ross School of Business. She plans on concentrating in Finance and Strategy, and is also pursuing a Minor in Economics.
As a member of Dr. Chang’s Lab, she is the Principal Investigator of a study called “The Dark and Light Sides of the American Dream”, which examines the effects of goal-striving on personal thoughts and feelings. Last year she worked on an empirical study titled “Perfectionism, Loneliness, and Psychological Adjustment: A Look at Gender Differences” which she presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association in Chicago, Illinois. She also presented a poster on an empirical study titled “Optimism and Pessimism: Is There any Value in Considering a Domain-Specific Model” at last year’s UROP Spring Research Symposium.
In addition to her research, she is a member of Bond Consulting Group, an Associate Editor of the Michigan Journal of Business, Secretary of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and Director of Public Relations in the Punjabi Student Organization. Ms. Singh loves to travel and enjoys playing tennis in her spare time.
Jessie Jacobson
Jessie Jacobson is a freshman planning to major in Biochemistry at the University of Michigan. She recently joined Dr. Edward Chang’s lab, assisting Kavita with her research project on appearance perfectionism. She has been helping with finding clinical populations for the project and, as an aside, she started collecting data for the evaluation of appearance perfectionism regarding different racial and ethnic groups. This is her first research experience at the University of Michigan, and she plans to continue doing research next year.