Research Assistants

 

 

Gerardo Michel
Research Assistant

 

Hi! My name is Gerardo Michel, and I’m a fourth-year undergraduate psychology major and philosophy minor. In the future, I plan to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology so that I can do therapy, conduct research, and eventually teach! Currently, my research interests involve investigating the extent to which there is an interplay between emotion regulation, psychopathology, and a concept known as emotion differentiation. I’m interested in exploring whether emotion differentiation can improve emotion regulation and thus reduce symptoms of psychopathology in children and adolescents. When I’m not doing busy work, I’m probably playing indie video games, watching shows about cold cases, or spending time with my cat.

Angela Rincon
Research Assistant

 

Hi! My name is Angela Rincon. I am a fourth-year psychology major and education minor. I am interested in emotion, emotion regulation in the classroom, and education. I am currently a research assistant in the UCR Emotion Regulation Lab led by Dr. Elizabeth Davis. I am also a CHASS Peer Academic Advisor and I hope to continue my education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling to achieve my goal of becoming an Academic Advisor. In my free time, I love to bake, watch movies, and go to Disneyland.

 

Ella Fukazawa
Research Assistant

 

My name is Ella and I am a 3rd year undergraduate at UCR majoring in Neuroscience. I hope to further apply and pursue my passion for psychology in the lab, and implement what I learn into my future goals and experiences. In my free time, I enjoy baking, boba runs, crocheting and listening to music.

 

Cesar Perez
Research Assistant

 

Hello, my name is Cesar Perez and I am a third-year transfer student at UCR who is on track to receive a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I am working toward my goal of being accepted into a Ph.D. program with a focus on researching how cultural factors influence emotional regulation along with social cognition. My ultimate goal is to become a researcher at an R1 institution and pursue research in these subjects to better understand how these topics influence social outcomes. And in my free time, I enjoy playing jazz on my saxophone, listening to music, and taking my dog Oreo on walks.

 

 

Mayra Maldonado
Research Assistant

 

Hi, I’m Mayra! I’m a fourth-year undergraduate student, and I’m double majoring in psychology and education. I am very passionate about working with children, and I love observing how their curiosity and open-mindedness shape their unique perspectives. As a research assistant in the ER lab, I am gaining valuable insight into how children and adolescents learn to regulate their emotions and how their thoughts and feelings work together to evoke positive or negative emotions. After graduation, my goal is to pursue a PsyD in clinical psychology, with a focus on working with children and adolescents. I’m excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on young people’s lives, and I’m eager to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to help them overcome emotional and behavioral challenges. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, and working out. These hobbies help me recharge and take care of myself, which I believe is crucial, especially when working in a demanding field like psychology.

 

Alondra Ruvalcaba
Research Assistant

 

Hi my name is Alondra and I am a fourth year undergraduate student. I am extremely interested in the way our thoughts and our feelings can influence our behavior. I also love finding ways to apply psychological principles to my own life and continuing to learn about human psychology. After graduation I plan on pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant! In my free time I enjoy attending concerts, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, dancing, working out, and exploring new cities!

 

Magaly Sanchez
Research Assistant

 

I’m Magaly, a 4th year psychology major, who will graduate this June. I am a student research assistant in Dr. Davis’ Emotion Regulation Lab. I like to read up on research studies with youth and learn about how cultural contexts and family life influence their developmental trajectories. Outside of the lab, I work with infants and toddlers with disabilities and teach them many skills including Cognitive and Socio-Emotional skills. Lastly, for fun, I like to hang out with my cat and watch Grey’s Anatomy on repeat.

 

Karime Naranjo
Research Assistant

 

My name is Karime Ramos Naranjo. I am a third-year Psychology and Education major with a concentration in Learning & Behavioral Studies! I plan to pursue a career in Social Work or Counseling and focus working with the youth. In my free time I enjoy going to the gym and reading books!

 

Andrew Lopez
Research Assistant

 

Hi I’m Andrew, and I recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I plan on attending a PhD. program with the intention of working on research related to the Latino community and how cultural contexts and stigmas affect emotion regulation. My long-term goal is to become a researcher at a top psychology university and transition into the teaching field. When I am not at the lab, I enjoy going to the gym, film photography, and thrift shopping in different cities.

 

 

 

Savannah Schaffer
Research Assistant

 

Hi friends! My name is Savannah and I’m a fourth year undergraduate, double majoring in Psychology and Gender and Sexuality Studies. My main interests in the field fall under emotion and relationships, in every shape and form. I plan to enter the work force to gain greater understanding of those I eventually plan to work with as a licensed therapist, after gaining a higher degree. I’m currently working as a drumline coach at Great Oak High School, a job that feels more like a passion than a paycheck. When I’m not working or studying, I’m getting lost in one of my many worlds by gaming, writing, reading, traveling, watching films… I have too many interests. 
 

Jayine Lee
Research Assistant

 

I’m Jayine and I’m a 4th year undergraduate! My research interests are emotion regulation, socioemotional development, and cultural studies especially related to Vietnamese Americans. Outside of the lab, I love makeup, fashion, listening to music, shopping, and playing video games with friends!

 

Vincent Chavez
Research Assistant

 

Hi, my name is Vincent Alejandro Chávez. I am a fourth year undergraduate psychology student. I’m interested in studying self-regulation, stress, health, and well-being during adolescence into emerging adulthood. I’ve been working for the Emotion Regulation Lab as a research assistant since 2021 by coding and studying dyadic relationships between parent and child measuring their emotion regulation strategies in different contexts (i.e., conflict). This Spring 2023, I will graduate with my B.A. in Psychology. This upcoming fall, I will start a graduate program at UC Davis to pursue my PhD in Developmental Psychology. When I’m not working on research, I’m walking my goldendoodle Canelo around campus or enjoying fresh coffee at local coffee shops in Riverside.

 

Maria Plascencia Mercado
Research Assistant

 

My name is Maria, I am a third year undergraduate
research assistant in the Emotion Regulation Lab led by
Dr. Davis. My current research interest is studying the
relation between Immigrants’ life experiences on
emotional functioning. Some of my favorite hobbies
include cycling, running, and spending time with my cat!

 

 

Fatima Gomez
Research Assistant

 

I’m Fatima, a third-year Psychology major and I hope to study developmental Psychology in graduate school. The ER lab has been super fun and I find myself learning something new every week! I’m super excited and grateful to be an RA in this lab because of the people and my interest in emotion regulation. If I’m not studying or doing lab assignments I’m working at my local Boys & Girls Club, watching horror movies, or shopping for cute clothes for my dog.