Cohort - Class of 2026
Katie Adamick
My name is Katie Adamick and I’m a third year double majoring in Psychology and History with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. I am most interested in health psychology and the complex interconnection between mental health and physical health outcomes. I am currently leading a research project that examines the relationship between stress, body image, and emotional regulation strategies in undergraduate students in order to better understand the psychosocial factors that contribute to body image disturbances. In the future, I hope to learn more about behavioral interventions that can provide an accessible avenue for individuals to improve their mental health outcomes and elevate their wellbeing, especially for vulnerable or historically underserved communities.
Alice Alcantar
My name is Alice Alcantar and I am currently a third-year psychobiology student on the pre-med track. I am interested in learning about pharmacological interventions for treating mental illnesses, especially depression and anxiety, as well as how and why their effects may vary between different demographics. Coming from a Mexican background, there is a prevalent stigma surrounding mental health which I hope to reduce by educating people, spreading awareness, and helping those in need. In the future, I aim to become a psychiatrist and specialize in treating the low-income Latinx population.
Clarissa Alvarez
My name is Clarissa Alvarez. I am currently a third-year Philosophy major at UCLA. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and am passionate about using my education to fight for justice for my community members. I am a Student Professional Worker paralegal with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. I have researched and presented suggestions for revising Los Angeles County youth offender parole eligibility methodologies through a hermeneutic foundation of understanding. My sincere interest in brain and behavioral health stems from my desire to learn how mental health, neurocognitive, and neurodevelopmental factors influence behavior. I hope my understanding can create more compassionate and effective mitigation for my community.
Riona Anvekar
Riona Anvekar is a Physiological Sciences major interested in researching the neural circuits and biomarkers of mental health disorders and developing translational applications for earlier diagnosis and treatment in pediatric populations. Growing up working as a dance teacher, she is experienced and enjoys working with children, and has continued this work as a member of an organization which provides free dance classes for children with disabilities. She currently volunteers at the Child Development Institute to conduct neurodevelopmental screenings and strength-based consultations with families, lead pediatric wellness and developmental milestones workshops for new parents, and support engaging movement activities with neurodivergent children to generate sustainable pathways towards healthy living through enrichment. In the future, she hopes to have obtained her MD/PhD and become a pediatric psychiatrist.
Luiza Arakelyan
My name is Luiza Arakelyan and I am a third-year psychology student passionate about understanding the intersection of addiction, mental health, and public policy. My research interests center on the physiological and psychological effects of stress and trauma on addiction susceptibility, as well as developing evidence-based interventions for at-risk populations. With experience in qualitative research on tobacco use among priority populations, I aim to contribute to advancing brain and behavioral health through both research and clinical practice.
Sachi Ashtikar
Sachi Ashtikar is a third-year (transfer) student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. She is currently a Research Assistant in Dr. Lara Ray’s Addictions Lab, where she contributes to clinical trials aimed at understanding and treating alcohol and substance use disorders. Her research interests lie at the intersection of developmental and clinical psychology, with a focus on the psychopathology of adolescents and its progression into adulthood. Sachi is also passionate about examining how mental disorders manifest in South Asian communities and exploring the role of cultural factors in shaping these experiences. Her long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and combine clinical practice with research.
Pallavi Badri
Pallavi Badri is a third-year Psychobiology major deeply passionate about destigmatizing mental health in marginalized communities. Her interests center on understanding how experiences of marginalization and cultural differences shape the brain and behavior. Specifically, she opes to explore the impact of acculturative stress on fear and anxiety-related behaviors, aiming to develop culturally sensitive interventions that better serve individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Pallavi’s dedication to this work is rooted in her lived experience as a first-generation immigrant and is further informed by her roles as a student coordinator at the RISE Center and the co-president of UCLA MannMukti, a South Asian mental health advocacy club.
Natalia Castillo
Natalia Castillo is a third-year Cognitive Science major passionate about understanding the complex relationship between the brain, behavior, and mental health, particularly in marginalized communities. Her interest stems from both personal experience and a deep intellectual curiosity about how social and biological factors contribute to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. Natalia actively engages in research at the Rissman Memory Lab, working with students to study memory and learning, and at the Language and Cognitive Development Lab, where she explores how children learn language and new concepts. Through the Brain and Behavioral Health minor, Natalia hopes to gain the skills and knowledge to develop meaningful interventions that improve mental health care and support underserved communities, ultimately striving to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world solutions.
Hasitha Dangeti
Hasitha Dangeti is a third-year Psychobiology student with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. She aspires to become a physician specializing in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Hasitha is passionate about exploring the intersection of education, social determinants of health, and childhood upbringing on overall well-being. She volunteers at Kasari Labs, assisting neurodivergent children in completing intervention programs designed to enhance their social skills. Additionally, she wants to learn more about identifying biomarkers that can indicate neuropsychosocial disorders. In her free time, she enjoys playing basketball, cooking, practicing yoga, hiking, and spending time with her dog.
Yasmin De La Cruz
Hi! My name is Yasmin De La Cruz, and I am a third year Psychology major with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. My research interests lie in exploring how experiencing traumatic events during adolescence influences brain development. I aim to become a clinical psychologist and hope to become a valuable asset to my community.
Gabrille Elagio
Hi everyone! I am currently a 3rd year Neuroscience major and am now pursuing a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. After joining Dr. Hong’s neuroscience and social behavior lab last year, I have wanted to learn more about the cross sections between neuroscience and psychology. I am also hoping to gain more insight on my future career goals in medicine and research, aiming to make an impactful contribution to the field of brain and behavioral neuroscience!
Jacqueline Fernandez Chaidez
My name is Jacqueline Fernandez Chaidez, and I am a third year Human Biology and Society major! I am interested in further researching neurodegenerative diseases and developmental disorders. I am passionate about minoring in Brain and Behavioral Health because it promotes a holistic approach to achieving overall well-being.
Janelle Garcia
My name is Janelle Garcia, and I am a first-generation college student from South Central Los Angeles, double majoring in Psychology and Education & Social Transformation. My research interests focuses on addiction in low-income adolescents, specifically the developmental mismatch between the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, which can lead to risky behaviors. I am especially interested in examining the unique challenges low-income families face and how they intersect with the developmental mismatch. My career goals include working as an elementary teacher and as a social worker to help support marginalized communities.
Vanna Giang
Hello! I am Vanna, a third-year Psychobiology major with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. I am on the pre-med track with the end goal of becoming a neurologist. I am currently involved in developmental neurobiology research studying cortical arealization, and also keenly interested in studying the intersectionality of neuroscience and health psychology. My involvement with the Student Wellness Commission and passion for student wellness contribute greatly to my interest in the BBH minor. In tandem with my academic interests, I enjoy self-care such as cooking nutritional meals, pilates, weightlifting, and reading about self-help! I am very elated to be a part of my cohort and excited to involve myself with my community!
Frankie Grant
Hi! My name is Frankie Grant, and I am a third year Psychology major, double minoring in Global Health and Brain and Behavioral Health. I was interested in the Brain and Behavioral Health minor as I believed it would allow me to delve further in learning about psychopathology and how scientific research can be applied to better the mental health of others, and so I am incredibly excited to be a part of this cohort! In the future, I hope to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology in order to become a clinical psychologist. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and journaling.
Jenny Gu
Jenny Gu is a third-year Psychology major with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. She is passionate about understanding mental health disorders in children and adolescents, with a particular interest in exploring their effective interventions, both existing and emerging. Aspiring to become a child and adolescent psychiatrist, she plans to attend medical school, where she hopes to contribute to innovative treatments that improve the well-being of future generations.
Jessica Hedayi
Jessica is a third-year Physiological Sciences major with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. In addition to her studies, Jessica is a Lead Resident Assistant and the Vice President of the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic, an organization dedicated to providing vision services to medically under-resourced communities. She is interested in childhood developmental psychology, particularly how it relates to the diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. In the future, Jessica plans to become a physician.
Joanna Ho
Joanna is a third-year Human Biology & Society B.S. student from the Bay Area. She is passionate about exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through an interdisciplinary lens and aspires to become a doctor or a physician-scientist. Her interest in ASD stems from her job as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in the South Central LA area for kids diagnosed with autism. Through her work, Joanna has witnessed the nuanced effects that neurodivergent disabilities can pose on families who may lack access to adequate food and educational resources. In addition, Joanna has actively been involved with The Geschwind Lab as an undergraduate research assistant in exploring the biological mechanisms that underlie ASD. Joanna hopes to leverage the knowledge gained from the Brain & Behavioral Health minor to advocate for improved healthcare accessibility and inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Kristin Joseff
A proud mother of three “neurospicy” children, Kristin Joseff is a third year transfer student majoring in Psychology. She developed an interest in how individuals make decisions for loved ones needing care after seeing similar patterns during her 13 years working in the hospice industry and additional time working with school IEP systems. She seeks to answer questions about why decision making family members may or may not accept certain services for their loves ones, even when withholding them may be detrimental to the one in need of service. Understanding the mechanisms beneath such decision making may influence how public health officials aim to target at risk populations. Kristin hopes to utilize the answers to improve outcomes for seniors in need of specialized care, and/or children with developmental disabilities in need of intervention services.
Yasmin Kaman
Hi! My name is Yasmin Kaman, and I am a third-year neuroscience major at UCLA. I am deeply interested in the interplay of psychological and physiological processes. My academic and personal experiences have shown me how closely these processes are intertwined, and how addressing both aspects is essential for improving patient outcomes. I am passionate about exploring holistic approaches to health that integrate behavioral and medical strategies. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy doing aerial skills, tennis, painting and cooking.
Alan Law
My name is Alan Law, and I am a third-year Psychology major with aspirations of becoming a clinical psychologist and researcher. My research interests focus on modern approaches to treating mood and psychotic disorders, as well as personality disorders. I am particularly interested in how different classes of psychotropic drugs are utilized to manage these conditions, their mechanisms of action, and the stigma and concerns surrounding their use. As a transfer student, I have not yet been involved in student organizations or research labs at UCLA, though I plan to start independent research on psychedelic drugs in a lab during the upcoming winter or spring quarters on the intersection of psychedelic drug therapies with psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Andrea Martinez
Hello! As a neuroscience student, I am interested in behavioral mechanisms and I’m currently studying dopamine in Dr. Kate Wassum’s lab under the mentorship of Dr. Kathia Ramirez. I hope to take what I learn in this program and improve my approach to science and medicine in general. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.
Aatmi Mehta
Aatmi Mehta is a Public Health major with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. She is passionate about understanding how life experiences shape the brain, particularly in the context of mental health and public health challenges. Her experiences working with women suffering from homelessness and substance use as well as in memory neuroscience have inspired her to explore how brain health intersects with social and environmental factors, and how everyone can use interventions and techniques to stay brain-healthy. In her free time, she is a henna artist, enjoys creative hobbies like bead embroidery, learning new skills and languages, and the great outdoors.
Brandon Melamed
My name is Brandon Melamed and I’m a third year Psychology major with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. I am deeply drawn to the interpersonal aspect of supporting others, and I intend to pursue a career in clinical psychology. I am particularly interested in the origins and progressions of psychopathology in children and adolescents. I look forward to learning more about the field of brain and behavioral health through the minor.
Kimberly Morales Aleman
Kimberly is a first-generation, third-year Psychology major with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. She is passionate about health equity and accessibility, particularly how culture influences mental health and treatment-seeking behaviors. Kimberly aspires to become a bilingual Clinical Psychologist focused on implementing culturally sensitive interventions that destigmatize mental health care and improve diagnoses and treatments for under represented populations. As a research assistant at the HEART (Health Equity & Access Research and Treatment) Lab and the CARE (Culture and Race/Ethnicity in Youth Mental Health) Lab, she demonstrates her commitment to addressing mental health disparities through research and culturally informed practices.
Sophie Muessel
Sophie Muessel is a third-year psychology student from Napa, California who aspires to become a researcher and, eventually, to author a book. Sophie’s interests lie in health psychology, studying the bidirectional relationship of physiology and psychology, and positive psychology, focusing on various strategies to achieve satisfaction and contentment in one’s life. She is eager to work alongside like-minded students and professors and to contribute to the advancement of the brain and behavioral health field. Outside of school, you will find Sophie pursuing her other passions, such as digital design, running, cooking, and thrifting.
Isabella Ramos
Isabella is a 3rd-year Neuroscience major minoring in Brain and Behavioral Health and Film and Television on the pre-MD/PhD track. She currently volunteers in a lab conducting viral surgeries in mice to monitor endocannabinoids using fiber photometry. Her desire to become a neurologist stems from her passion for helping people and her enthusiasm to break down barriers surrounding healthcare access and health education. In the future, she hopes to combine her passions by conducting research on shared pathways between Alzheimer’s and ADHD and is interested in how specific interventions can alter these pathways. Isabella believes that educating people on how their brain works and why it does what it does, can encourage them to apply science to not only improve their brain and behavioral health, but to take control of it and simultaneously demystify the scientific field.
Lynna Si
Lynna Si is a neuroscience major from Vancouver, Canada. She is interested in learning more about early puberty depression and how the healthcare system can better support those with early puberty depression or depression. She hopes that through this minor, she could better learn how to translate research findings to public health policies and clinical treatments to create more interdisciplinary and diverse treatment options for mental health patients. In her free time, she loves to crochet, knit, and do photography.
Sydney Tomsick
Hi! My name is Sydney Tomsick, and I am a Statistics/Data Science major with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. I am very interested in learning about the causes and solutions for various mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Through this minor, I hope to explore my passion for Clinical Psychology and helping those who are struggling. Outside my academic pursuits, I enjoy dancing, thrifting, and watching movies!
Elyssia Wang
I’m Elyssia Wang, a third-year Psychobiology major originally from Calgary, Canada. I’m passionate about exploring the intersection of neuroscience and psychology to better understand and support diverse communities. My goal is to create culturally competent, impactful clinical interventions that blend scientific rigor with empathy. As a research assistant in the Lord Lab, I focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), contributing to the development of assessment tools and studying longitudinal developmental outcomes. Additionally, I work as a psychiatric student scribe at the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, gaining practical experience in mental health care.
Elizabeth Yun
Elizabeth (Ellie) Yun is a Cognitive Science major with a Specialization in Computing from Los Angeles, California. Her interest in the Brain and Behavioral Health minor stems from her passion for understanding the intricate cognitive processes underlying brain health and wellness, and how neurological research can work towards viable solutions for health disparities across communities— especially vulnerable ones. Her long-term career goal is to become a Pediatrician and work closely with families and communities to identify challenges early on and promote overall well being. By integrating an understanding of the brain and behavior into everyday clinical practice and patient experience, she hopes to support children’s healthy brain development and well-being from infancy through adolescence.