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 conducted research on the relationship between empathy and stress. Through this line of research, 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

Adrian Casiano is a third-year student at Loyola Marymount University who is majoring in psychology major and minoring in Spanish. He has a wide variety of research interests that are centered at the intersection of social and health psychology. He is interested in researching topics related to sexuality, mental health, well-being, and chronic medical diseases. His goals include pursuing a Ph.D. in either Social or Health Psychology and to become a Professor in Psychology, conducting his own independent research. Outside the lab, you can find Adrian exploring the diverse city of Los Angeles and working at Trader Joes.  

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Isabella Castro is a third-year student double-majoring in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Health and Society. Her research interests are in addiction science, trauma resilience, and mental health, with a focus on understanding and address issues related to comorbidity. In the PRRISM Lab, she has taken an interest in understanding how self-compassion can be fostered to promote resilience in the face of chronic stressors. Her goal is to pursue a Ph.D. And pursue a career that integrates teaching, research, and clinical care, focusing on the intersection of mental health and addiction science. Outside of the lab, Bella loves camping at the beach, paddle boarding, reading, going to coffee shops, and spending time with her family. 

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Brandon Dona-Velazquez is a second-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

Areika Novella is a second-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

Sarah Omachi is a senior at Loyola Marymount University pursuing a Psychology major and is planning to add an education minor. She is interested in researching how compassion-based interventions may affect one’s learning, self-esteem, and internalized stigma. As she has lived in Japan her entire life, she is also interested in studying how mental and physical health issues are stigmatized and/or treated within a diverse set of cultural contexts. Sarah hopes to pursue a PhD in School Psychology or Developmental Psychology to conduct research and increase her knowledge in many school curriculums to achieve her dream of becoming a school counselor and curriculum advisor for kindergarten and elementary schools. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys playing tennis, going to the farmer’s market, and exploring types of coffees in the area.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

McKenzie Reese is a senior who is majoring in Psychology. McKenzie's research interest includes examining social determinants of health and the psychological effects of health disparities with regards to stigma and social adversity. In the future, she would like to get a PhD in Clinical Psychology so she can work with underrepresented and marginalized communities to futher understand health disparities. Outside of the lab, McKenzie enjoys playing piano, tennis, and exploring LA.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Raul Rivera is a junior at Loyola Marymount University majoring in Psychology. His research interests include loneliness, anxiety, and depression among neurodivergent populations. As a veteran, he is also focused on studying the stigma surrounding PTSD in both non-combat active-duty personnel and veterans. Raul hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology to advance his research and provide care for underrepresented communities. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing video games, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Metasebiya Tefera is a senior Psychology major and African American studies and Data Science double minor. Her research interests include substance misuse, childhood adversity, and the distressing feelings of shame or guilt. She is also interested in research centered on foster care children as well as under-resourced and marginalized communities. She is passionate about making mental health resources that focus on self-compassion related outcomes readily available to all. She hopes to either pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology or neuroscience or attend law school. Outside of the lab, her passions include fitness, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Brandon Tolbert is a fourth-year student with a major in Urban Studies and a minor in Business Administration. He is passionate about urban development and geographic information systems (GIS), and he is excited to contribute to the PRRISM Lab's ongoing GIS and spatial data science projects. His long-term goal is to become a skilled leader in urban planning and GIS technologies. Outside the lab, he enjoys hiking and exploring new cities.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Amanda Williams is a second-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.