Research Study Coordinators

Nia Jones received her BA in Psychology and has passion to pursue getting her master degree and PhD in clinical psychology. Her future goals follow wanting to apply her education to helping youth and young adults in underrepresented communities have access to mental health resources and spread knowledge about why mental health is so important.

 

 

Graduate Students

Christine Chang is a Ph.D. student in the Adult Clinical Psychology program. She attended Chapman University and graduated in 2022 with a major in psychology and minor in law, justice, and social control. After graduating, she worked as a research coordinator at Chapman University and UC Irvine. Her research interests include examining the cultural and social contexts of minoritized populations and understanding how this context contributes to racial and ethnic disparities in mental health outcomes. She is particularly interested in how individual and contextual factors interact to shape response to racism. She also hopes to develop culturally responsive interventions and leverage technology to increase access to care.

Saivone Sanchious is a doctoral student. After graduating from Trinity University with a B.A. in Psychology, she spent two years working as a research assistant and diagnostic interviewer with the Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) Project through Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School. Her research interests include the impact of discrimination on mental health outcomes, reducing barriers to mental health care for marginalized communities, and creating culturally sensitive assessment tools.

 

***Dr. Lui will be recruiting one (1) graduate student to pursue Ph.D. in Adult Clinical Psychology at the UW to matriculate in Fall 2025. Information about our graduate program and admission process can be found here. Please take advantage of a free, online event about Ph.D. training programs here at the UW, on October 1, 2024 at 3-5pm PST. Dr. Lui does not meet or exchange email correspondences extensively with prospective students prior to applications to promote fairness and equity. Each applicant is evaluated using a standardized, holistic rubric and process. Any meetings or extensive communications prior to applications can systematically disadvantage students who do not have the privilege or ability to ask them. Once application materials are received and evaluated holistically, there will be opportunities for applicants to visit with us.***

 

Honors Students in the Psychology Distinction Program

UW undergraduate students who major in psychology and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or above have the option of joining the Honors Program. As a part of this program, students will work with Dr. Lui on a mentored research project, and participate in the lab as a research assistant. Students will enroll in a series of distinction courses starting in their junior year, during which they will come up with a research topic and question, conduct literature review, collect data and conduct data analyses, and write up a scientific research report. Typically, these projects can result in conference presentations and/or publishable manuscripts.

Students already involved with ADAPT prior to being selected into the Psychology Honors Program will have priority for being matched with us.

 

Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistants

Undergraduate students at the UW or other institutions who have a keen interest in psychological sciences, and maintain a satisfactory grade point average (e.g., 3.5 or above) are encouraged to seek hands-on research training experiences in ADAPT. Many students enroll in PSYCH 499 for research credits. Students are involved in various aspects of research projects, such as assisting in participant recruitment, data collection and management, and initial data analyses. More advanced research assistants may have the opportunity to present research findings at local or national conferences. Contact Dr. Lui for an application to join our team!

Danielle Chang is a senior and joined the ADAPT in the autumn of 2022. She is majoring in Psychology and Economics. Danielle is interested in how cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds influence developmental and psychological well-being. She plans to apply to graduate school to pursue a career in clinical psychology or behavioral economics.

 

 

Amaris Ilar is a senior studying Education, Communities, and Organizations (ECO) and Psychology. She joined ADAPT in September 2022. Her research interests include the role of culture and diversity in clinical psychology, particularly in understanding how culture influences coping behaviors, resilience, and mental health outcomes among Asian Americans. She is also a Peer Health Educator and Peer Wellness Coach at UW LiveWell, and the current Public Relations Officer and incoming 2023-2024 President for Asian Alliance for Mental Health at UW. Amaris is interested in pursuing a career in child clinical or school psychology.

 

Rosa Peterson is a senior studying Psychology and Mathematics. She joined ADAPT in the fall of 2022. Rosa’s research interests include psychopathology and how different factors within someone’s environment impact mental health. Rosa hopes to become a clinical psychologist or go into research and plans to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology after graduation.

 

 

Maria (Luján) Bazzano is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Medical Anthropology. She joined ADAPT in the summer of 2023. Luján is interested in exploring how culture, ethnicity, race, and psychopathology are intertwined, with a particular emphasis on understanding how experiencing racism, stereotyping, and discrimination impact human behavior and the development of coping mechanisms. Luján plans to attend graduate school to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She also volunteers for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.

 

Clara Rufo is a junior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Dance. She joined the ADAPT in the autumn of 2023. Clara’s research interests include cultural psychology, the intersection of dance and psychology, and mental health issues in the AAPI community. She plans to pursue clinical or counseling psychology in graduate school.

 

 

Keiko Nishida is a recent graduate in Psychology and Sociology, and joined the ADAPT Autumn 2023. Keiko is interested in studying mental health disparities among diverse populations, especially in regards to substance use, as well as the effects of stress in LGBT+ communities. She plans on getting experience in mental health services before applying to graduate school.

 

 

Joyce Lau is a junior majoring in Psychology and joined the ADAPT in Winter 2024. She is interested in finding out how cultural and environmental factors affect mental health as well as learning more psychological disorders. She plans to apply to graduate school and pursue a career as a clinical psychologist.

 

 

 

Haylee Jarrett is studying Medical Anthropology Global Health and Environmental Studies. She joined ADAPT in Winter 2024. In her career, she hopes to explore prevention science, cultural psychology, environmental public health, and dimensions of wellness in marginalized populations. Haylee plans on attaining her Masters of Public Health to pursue a career in epidemiology after graduating.

 

Daniela Ekedede joined ADAPT in Winter 2024. She received her bachelor’s degree in Medical Anthropology and Global Health from the University of Washington in 2022, and is now a post-baccalaureate student with the goal of becoming a physician after completing her studies. Her research interests include the mental health of first-generation individuals and its impact on both them and subsequent generations, along with the stigmatization of mental health resources within Black and immigrant communities.

 

Romina Foroudi joined ADAPT in Winter 2024. She is currently a sophomore majoring in Public Health with a minor in Anthropology. She is interested in the relationship between race, cultural psychology, and the effects of disparity on marginalized populations. Romina is planning on double majoring with informatics at the University of Washington in the 2024-2025 school year in health-related programming, data collection, and organization to further her abilities in the ADAPT Lab, and future careers.

 

Sarrah Khan is an undergraduate student pursuing Psychology and the Comparative History of Ideas at the University of Washington. She joined ADAPT in Summer 2024. She is interested in how race, culture/acculturation, and religion interact with adolescent development, identity and mental health. She hopes to expand on these interests in the future by pursuing a career in clinical psychology and developing accessible, community-based interventions and psychoeducation pracitices for marginalized, refugee, and immigrant communities in the U.S.

 

 

Alumni

Michelle Del Rio received her degree in psychology and creative writing from the Southern Methodist University. She was the Secretary of Psi Chi National Honor Society, and Vice President of Tau Sigma national society. Michelle’s research interests include the effects of immigration, acculturation, and discrimination on ethnic minority populations’ adjustment. She is also interested in providing culturally aware assessments and treatment options for Spanish speakers and ethnic minorities. Michelle is a Ph.D. student in clinical psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

 

Lauren Sanders received a degree from the Southern Methodist University in Psychology, with minors in Economics and Advertising. She joined the ADADT in August of 2017 and her research interests include understanding the coping methods and mental health of people of different ethnicity and how it can be related to stressors in the workplace. Lauren has completed a masters of arts degree in the Applied Psychology program at the University of Southern California, and works as an industrial organizational practitioner.

 

Lucia Quezada received her degree in psychology, with minors in Chinese and photography from the Southern Methodist University. She was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar. She joined the ADAPT in the summer of 2017 and her research interests include mood disorders and anxiety among ethnic minorities. Lucia completed a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the Teachers College at Columbia University, and is a student in the University of Georgia Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program since Fall 2021.

 

Susie Kim graduated from the Southern Methodist University and majored in Applied Physiology and Health Management, and minoring in Psychology and Cultural Anthropology. She was a recipient of the Hamilton Scholarship under the Hamilton Scholars Program. She was a research assistant in ADAPT in January 2017 through summer 2018. Her research interests include examining the relations between police-related discrimination and mental health outcomes. Susie is currently a student in the doctor of physical therapy program at UT Southwestern.

Banan Rama received her B.S in psychology and minored in biology. Her research interests includes studying the effects of intergenerational conflict and parental styles in immigrant and minority families, with a focus on childhood development. Banan joined the ADAPT lab in August 2018 after she graduated from University of Texas, Arlington. Banan has been involved in various local nonprofit organizations. Banan is currently a Ph.D. student in the behavioral science program at the University of North Texas.

Peiwen (Tian) Zhu is a graduate from Emory University studying business administration and visual arts. Tian joined the ADAPT over the summer of 2019 and is interested in researching how one’s cultural upbringing might affect their coping styles and mental health outcomes. She hopes to stay involved in research for the remainder of her undergraduate time and possibly beyond that as well.

Kathryn Curtis is an alumnus in Psychology, Biology, and Health & Society from the Southern Methodist University. She joined the ADAPT in January of 2017 and received the Hamilton Scholars award in support of her research on risk factors pertaining to alcohol use and eating pathology. Katy is the recipient of the Douglas D. and Ferne Center Family Scholarship in 2018-2019, and an inductee in the Robert Hyer Honors Society at SMU. Katy is a medical student at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School.

 

Niki Adams is an alumna with a B.S degree in psychology and a minor in Chinese from the Southern Methodist University. She joined the ADAPT research team in January 2019 and completed a psychology distinction project under Dr. Lui’s mentorship. Niki has an interest in human diversity and how this affects society and people in general. Niki will join the Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Pacific University in Fall 2021.

 

Shalanda Berkley received her B.A. in Psychology and B.S. in Biological Sciences from the Southern Methodist University. She joined the ADAPT lab in Spring of 2017. She was a recipient of the Hamilton Scholarship and the Award for Outstanding Research by an Undergraduate in Psychology. Her research interests include university students’ alcohol usage along with its risk factors, specifically among ethnic minorities. Shalanda is a medical student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine.

 

Savannah Krantz received her B.A. in Psychology with departmental honors from the University of Texas at Austin. She was a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, and now volunteers as an advocate for Dallas CASA. Savannah joined the ADAPT lab in August of 2019. Her research interests include understanding the triggers and intervention methods for adolescent depression across diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. Savannah will be a Ph.D. student in clinical psychology at UT Southwestern starting Fall 2022. 

Olivia Garcia received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with minors in Biology and Neuroscience from the Southern Methodist University in 2019. While at SMU, Olivia worked as a research assistant in the Anxiety and Depression Research Center. She joined the ADAPT in March of 2020. Her current research interests include how culture affects social behaviors and ethnic health disparities. Olivia will begin her master’s in clinical mental health counseling program at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis in Fall 2021.

Savannah Pham was a graduate student in the clinical psychology doctoral program. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Asian American Studies from Stanford University. Savannah received a master’s degree in psychology from the Southern Methodist University and resides in Dallas, TX.

 

 

Kenzie Stonebarger is an alumnus from the Southern Methodist University majoring in Health and Society, Psychology, and Religion. She joined the ADAPT in August of 2019. Kenzie volunteers on campus as a Student Wellness Champion, with a distinction in Substance Abuse. She is excited to pursue graduate school in the hopes of becoming a criminal psychologist. Her interests include leaving an impact on those that she interacts with and identifying behavior patterns in people in hopes of preventing further crimes.

 

Kish Parikh is a junior studying Psychology and Creative Computing at the Southern Methodist University. He joined the ADAPT in the summer of 2020. Kish has worked as a research assistant with SMU Student Affairs, studying how students conceptualize their identity and belongingness on campus. His interests include understanding how people perceive and navigate the human experience, factors that contribute to well-being, and the role spirituality plays in identity formation. He aspires to pursue a career in UX Design, integrating research, people, and computer skills to address people’s needs.

 

Shefali Katedia is a recent graduate from the Southern Methodist University and joined ADAPT in June 2020. She is a Biology major with minors in Neuroscience and Sociology and plans to go to medical school after graduation. She hopes to become a Pediatrician or Dermatologist in the future. Shefali volunteers at Medical City Dallas and with Reading Partners of North Texas. Her research interests include learning about various mental illnesses and how to help people based on that information.

Abigail Torbatian is a graduate from the Southern Methodist University and joined ADAPT in May 2021. She is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. Her interests include researching acculturative stress, cultural fears, and antisemitism. Abigail will apply to graduate programs this fall and plans to become a professor and researcher.

 

Krystelle Sunga is a recent graduate from the Southern Methodist University and joined ADAPT in August 2021. She majored in Psychology at Dedman College of Humanities and Science at SMU. She has strong interests in both forensic and clinical psychology and plans to pursue a Doctor of Juridical Science​ (J.S.D) degree after obtaining her bachelors in psychology.

 

 

Jesse Cheng is a Sophomore at the Southern Methodist University and joined ADAPT in January of 2022. He is majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry, Neuroscience, and Business. He has interests in studying healthcare disparities, and immigrant mental health and its generational impact. Jesse plans on becoming a physician and attending medical school after graduation.

 

Westley Giadolor joined ADAPT in Spring 2020. He graduated from the Southern Methodist University majoring in Psychology and a minor in computer science. He is a student in the Masters in Organizational Psychology at SMU. Westley has a strong interest in mental health affecting the workplace and how decision making can be made better by taking into account cognitive and behavioral tendencies of individuals.

 

Paige Goodman is a post-baccalaureate psychology student and joined ADAPT in April of 2021. Her interests include at-risk children and adolescents and using technology to improve access to mental health treatment. She plans to pursue graduate school in clinical, counseling, or school psychology.

 

 

Saima Alwani is a junior at the Southern Methodist University and joined ADAPT in August 2021. She is double majoring in Health and Society and Film Media Arts. She has a strong interest in serving medically underserved communities, which was inspired by volunteering in Dallas Agape Clinic. Saima will apply to medical school this fall and plans to become a pediatric physician in the future.

 

Joann Yang joined ADAPT in May 2021. She is a recent graduate from the Southern Methodist University majoring in Psychology and Business Management with a minor in Biological Sciences. She was a Psychology Distinction student under Dr. Lui’s mentorship. Her interests include understanding ethnoracial differences and disparities in the field of psychology, as well as biological associations to psychological behaviors. Joann plans to pursue a career in clinical psychology or organizational psychology.

Tia Taylor is a junior at the Southern Methodist University studying Biological Sciences and Health & Society. She joined the ADAPT in the summer of 2021. Tia’s research interest includes issues such as mental health, addition, and healthcare inequalities. Tia is a member of the Honor Council, an SMU student ambassador, and a tutor for children in the Dallas Independent School District. Tia is interested in becoming a physician and plans to attend medical school after graduation.

Brittany Huynh is a junior at the Southern Methodist University and joined ADAPT in August 2021. She is majoring in Statistical Science and minoring in Health Sciences. She is interested in the healthcare disparities experienced by minorities as well as the psychological impacts caused by said disparities. Brittany plans to apply to medical school following graduation and eventually become a physician.

 

 

Michelle Lee graduated from Psychology from the University of Washington. Michelle’s research interests include brain chemistry and structural differences in mental health disorders, ways to make mental health care more accessible, and mental health stigma in minoritized groups. Michelle hopes to attend graduate school with plans to become a psychologist. Outside of school, Michelle enjoys making coffee, caring for plants, and hanging out with her dog Tucker.

 

Rena Zhu

Julie Noh

Parmida Salehi

Mary Huynh

 

Jake Oveson graduated from UW Psychology. He started working with ADAPT in the fall of 2022. He is interested in understanding the effects stress has on mental health, as well as working on projects trying to better understand how minority groups are affected by healthcare disparities. Jake plans to spend a year getting experience in a Psych-related job, before considering graduate school.

 

 

Semhal Tesfu received her bachelor’s degree in Health Studies and minor in Global Health from the University of Washington Bothell. She joined the ADAPT in November 2023. She previously worked at the Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Network Coordinating Center where she focused on developing a proposal for expanding the collection of demographic data for clinical studies.

 

 

Sarah Gobrial is a Ph.D. student in the Adult Clinical Psychology program. She attended Ohio State University where she earned her BS with research distinction in Psychology, a BA in International Studies, and a minor in Arabic language. She earned her MS in clinical psychology from the Southern Methodist University prior to transferring to UW. Her research interests include understanding mental health in marginalized communities, and how minority-identity related stressors including discrimination and stigma can impact mental health outcomes. She is particularly interested in the intersection of racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender identity related stressors. She is also interested in making empirical findings and interventions more accessible through open science practices and reducing barriers to access to care.

Yujia Cao is a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. She joined the ADAPT in the autumn of 2022. Jia’s research interest area includes social psychology and clinical psychology. She wants to work in the health service field and plans to study clinical psychology in graduate school.

 

 

William Gu is a recent graduate in psychology. He joined the ADAPT in the autumn of 2022. William is interested in differences in anxiety and OCD symptoms in different populations. William hopes to become a clinical psychologist and pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology after undergraduate. 

 

 

Kaylee Yokoyama is currently a Junior at the University of Washington, studying Psychology. She joined the ADAPT research team in the Autumn of 2023. Kaylee has research interests in studying the development of children and adolescents, as well as social psychology. She aspires to attend graduate school in order to pursue a career in children clinical psychology.

 

Jordan Finnell is a junior at the University of Washington and an undergraduate research assistant in the ADAPT Lab. Her primary research interests are the ways inequitable social conditions related to race, gender, and class contribute to poor mental health outcomes. She’s also fascinated by the way childhood experiences of trauma influence an individual’s life trajectory and health. Jordan hopes to attend graduate school after she graduates from the University of Washington. Her ultimate goal is to conduct research and work with clients in therapy.

 

Jocelyn Madrigal is a junior at the UW majoring in psychology, while on a pre-med track. She joined ADAPT in September 2023. Her interest lies at the dynamic intersection of culture and mental health, as well as the intricate tapestry of human behavior and how that is influenced by substance use. After graduation, she aspires to attend medical school and become a family medicine physician. Furthermore, her pursuits extend to joining the noble cause of Doctors Without Borders, enabling her to traverse different countries and provide essential, impartial medical humanitarian aid to people who need it most.