Lab Manager

Whitney completed her B.A. in Psychology at UC Berkeley and her M.A. in Psychological Research at California State University, Long Beach. Whitney has a vested passion for using research to tackle health disparities and systemic oppression. Previously, Whitney explored interventions for fostering empathy in high-stress work environments, where systemic oppression is common. In the PRRISM Lab, Whitney is excited to test ways to increase compassion and reduce stigma among lung cancer patients. Whitney is also passionate about providing mentorship and cultivating community in academia. In her free time, Whitney enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Brandon Dona-Velazquez is a fourth-year student at LMU who is majoring in Psychology. Brandon’s research interests include social behaviors, pain perception, and social anxiety, along with how to improve treatment for anxiety-related problems. He is also interested in learning about intersections between physiological and psychological factors relevant for health and coping. He is excited about pursuing research opportunities and contributing to scientific endeavors. He ultimately plans to pursue further education and develop a career in the field of psychology. During his free time, you can find Brandon coaching youth basketball teams, at the beach, or traveling to new places.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Kenya Hildreth is a sophomore in the Health and Human Sciences major. Kenya’s research interests include examining the impacts of communication between healthcare staff and patients and racial disparities in healthcare. Her long-term goal is to earn a medical degree and specialize in Emergency Medicine as a physician. Outside the lab, she enjoys exercising, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Isabell Lachinpour is a second-year Psychology major and Women and Gender Studies minor. Her current research interests include how stigma around sexual and gender minorities affect the care they receive, work-life balance and mental health, and first-generation and immigrant student experiences and mental health. In the future, she hopes to pursue a graduate degree (e.g., PhD) in Organizational Psychology and have a career in it.  During her free time, she is usually crocheting and playing games while staying in or thrifting and going to cafes when going out.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Julia Lawwill is a first-year student at Loyola Marymount University, double majoring in psychology and journalism. She is interested in researching the role of support systems in shaping mental health outcomes within marginalized communities, particularly in relation to physical health and well-being. She is also interested in examining how early life adversity and trauma shape pathways into the criminal justice system, with a focus on factors that contribute to resilience and risk. Julia hopes to pursue a PhD in forensic psychology and become a competency evaluator within the criminal justice system. Outside of the lab, she enjoys going on long walks, spending time with friends, and visiting museums.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Areika Novella is a fourth-year student majoring in psychology. She is interested in researching feelings of isolation experienced within minoritized and immigrant families and communities. She is also interested in studying how self-compassion can help reduce emotional distress and self-criticism. Her long-term goal is to pursue graduate school in psychology to become a clinical psychologist in a hospital setting, working with adolescents and/or within emergency and crisis programs. Outside of the lab, she enjoys watching rom-coms, window-shopping, and long walks while listening to music. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Kaitlyn Rodriguez is a third year student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Journalism. Kaitlyn's research interests include health disparities affecting under-served communities, health psychology, and mental health stigma. As a first-gen student, her research interests are informed by her experiences observing barriers in healthcare. After graduating from LMU, she plans to attend graduate school and pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, watching movies, trying new restaurants, and going on sunset walks.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Amanda Williams is a fourth-year student, double majoring in psychology and political science. Amanda's research interests include understanding trauma and stress across the lifespan and studying the effectiveness of new mental health treatments. In the PRRISM Lab, Amanda is looking forward to exploring different research topics and building her research skillset, as her long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. Outside the lab, Amanda dances on LMU's Spirit Squad team, and can be found exploring LA or hanging out with her sorority sisters. 

Lab Director

Dr. Williamson completed his B.A. in Psychology at Pitzer College, his MPH at Claremont Graduate University, and his Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology at UCLA. His research interests are centered on understanding, reducing, and preventing stigma within cancer care, and his work in this area has spanned the cancer care continuum, including screening, referrals to tobacco cessation, active treatment, and longer-term survivorship. He is passionate about research mentorship for undergraduate students and is proud to have supported many PRRISM lab members in presenting first-authored projects at national conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. He lives with his husband in Marina del Rey and enjoys hiking, exploring new restaurants, and playing board games.