Lab Members
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. May Ling Halim, Director
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Dr. May Ling Halim is a Professor of Psychology at CSULB. Dr. Halim completed her MA and PhD in Social Psychology
with a Developmental Focus and Quantitative Minor at New York University and her BA in Psychology at Stanford University.
Dr. Halim has won numerous awards and grants, such as from the National Science Foundation and the American Psychological Foundation. She has been invited to speak
at several events and universities such as the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology and the Society for Research on Child Development Biennial Meeting.
Her research spans two broad areas. The first examines the development of gender and racial intergroup
attitudes. The second focuses on gender identity development among diverse young children. Her research
has been published in national academic journals such as Child Development, Developmental Psychology, and
Health Psychology and has been used to inform legal proceedings (e.g., ACLU) and educational policies (e.g., Head Start).
Her work has also been written about in the popular media, such as on NPR, CNN and in
Psychology Today, and she has written an op-ed for NBC Think. She also serves as a Consulting Editor or Editorial Board
Member for several academic journals including Child Development, Journal of Cognition and Development, and Sex Roles.
Dr. Halim also consults as a Program Director at the CSULB Center for Evaluation and Educational Effectiveness.
(Download CV) |
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Joshua Diaz
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Joshua Diaz is a first-year graduate student in CSULB’s Master’s in Psychological Research program. He plans to further his academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Social Psychology, with the long-term goal of becoming a professor and contributing to research on ethnic/racial identity development, group dynamics, social activism, and critical consciousness. In addition to the lab, Joshua currently works in CSULB’s Center for Evaluation and Educational Effectiveness as a graduate assistant to support finding evidence-based practices that enhance student success, equity, and institutional effectiveness. |
Mark Ortiz-Payne
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Mark is a first-year graduate student in the Master's of Arts in Psychological Research program at CSULB. He finished his BA in Psychology at CSULB in 2021, and he worked with Dr. Halim as an undergraduate research assistant. His goal is to earn a PhD in Community Psychology and conduct research as a professor. He is interested in doing research on issues impacting LGBTQ+ communities and investigating the societal causes of those issues. His hope is to use research to advance knowledge about LGBTQ+ experiences and promote societal changes for LGBTQ+ communities. |
UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTBACCALAUREATE STUDENTS
Julianne Baek
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Julianne is currently a junior undergraduate Psychology major, with a minor in Comparative World Literature. She plans to graduate a year early and pursue an MS in Human Factors Psychology with the goal of becoming an Engineering Psychologist and Ergonomist. She wishes to study the relationship between users and systems to ensure the safety and efficiency of design and technology. Julianne has experience working as a children’s Recreation Leader for three years, in which she engaged children in recreational and artistic programs to promote fun, safety, and inclusivity. |
Sophya Ekmekjian
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Sophya graduated from CSULB in the Fall of 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Sophya is currently the president of the Society of Orphaned Armenian Relief Long Beach chapter. She was also the president of the Armenian Student Association and volunteered as a Long Beach Blast mentor for underprivileged youth during her time as an undergraduate. Sophya's goal is to attain a PhD in cognitive psychology. |
Barbara Mendivil
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Barbara is a senior undergraduate psychology major. She plans to attend an MA program in School Psychology. Her goal is to work with youth in low-income and minoritized communities within the educational system. She is currently working as a behavioral therapist and completing internship hours at Casa Youth Shelter. She hopes with her experience she can contribute to providing support for youth in need. |
Madison Rocha
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Madison is currently a third-year undergraduate Psychology major with a focus on forensic psychology in the University Honors program. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, gaining licensure to work in mental health settings before continuing on to a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology. Her career goals include working in forensic psychology with a special interest in psychological assessments and providing mental health services within the legal system. She works in the Psychology Resource Office as a guide and is a University Honors peer mentor. |
Jannila Te
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Jannila is a senior undergraduate psychology major in the University Honors program. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work and eventually become a hospice social worker. She has experience working with kindergarten children in a classroom setting. Jannila is also currently training to work with older adults through a nonprofit organization for care navigation and bereavement. Additionally, she is working on her research thesis which involves studying gender attitudes and social values in college students. Her interests lie in gender development, early life trauma, and bereavement. |
Lisbet Wences
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Lisbet is a junior undergraduate Psychology major and Child Development minor. Her goal is to become a Clinical Psychologist with a private practice and collaborate with mental health group homes. In addition to volunteering in the lab, she works at a private, dual recovery rehabilitation home in Orange County. She works with adolescents struggling with substance abuse and mental health, facilitating groups and supporting them in their day-to-day activities. |
LAB ALUMNI
Undergraduate Students
Armando Alvarez, M.S. in Human Factors Psychology at CSULB
Maria Arredondo, B.A., Department Honors, Outstanding Senior in Psychology
Yvette Apatiga, B.A., M.S. in Human Factors Psychology at CSULB
Benjamin Beyer, B.A., pursuing M.S. in Counseling at CSUDH
Jocelyn Borrego, B.A., Psychology
Elizabeth Campbell, B.A., Psychology
Eric Cortez, B.A., Psychology
Eliza Derfelt, B.A., Psychology
Kaelyn Echave, B.A., M.A. in School Psychology at CSULB
Melissa Ehlers, B.A., Psychology
Megan Fisher, B.A., Psychology, Minor: Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies
Celeste Garcia, B.A., Psychology
Nancy Giang, B.A., pursuing M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at CSUDH
Brenda Gutierrez, B.A., Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at UC Santa Cruz
Kimberly Griffin, B.A., Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at U. of La Verne
Kevin Han, B.A., pursuing a Ph.D. in School Psychology at UC Riverside
Emily Hermez, B.A., pursuing Psy.D. at Azusa Pacific San Diego
Keila Hirokawa, B.A., Psychology
Julyssa Juarez, B.A., M.A. in School Counseling at CSULB
Esther Kim, B.A, B.S., M.A. at John Jay University
Emerald Lee, B.A., M.A. in Social Work at CSU Fullerton
Lilian Lim, B.A., M.S. in Human Factors Psychology at CSULB
Natasha Lindner, B.A., Psychology
Natassia Mattoon, M.S. in Human Factors in Psychology at CSULB
Olivia Massey, B.A., M.A. in School Psychology at CSU Fullerton
Keith Moy, B.A., Psychology
Sara Ortiz-Cubias, M.A. in School Counseling at CSULB’s School of Education
Mark Ortiz-Payne, B.A., Psychology
Kestel Owen, B.A. in Psychology, Fulbright Scholar
Aubrey Pellicano, M.A. in Academic Research in Psychology, Humboldt State
Daniella Ramirez, B.A., M.A. in Psychological Research at CSU Fullerton
Jacqueline Cecile Ramos, B.A., Psychology
Julie Rossi, B.A., Psychology, Outstanding Senior in Psychology
Dylan Sakamoto, B.A., M.S. in Industrial Organization Psychology at CSULB
Crystal Sanchez, B.A., Psychology
Jaime Sanchez, B.A., M.S in Human Factors Psychology at CSULB
Samantha Sander, B.A., M.A. in School Psychology at San Diego State
Elaine Scenters-Zapico, B.A., M.A. in School Counseling at CSULB
Devynn Smith, B.A., pursuing M.A. in School Counseling at CSUF
Akashi Suon, B.A., Psychology
Sachiko Tawa, B.A., pursuing Psy.D. at Alliant International
Nathalie Torres, B.A., M.A in Social Work at USC
Kat Van Tol, B.A. in Psychology at CSULB
Audrey Tran, B.A., pursuing Psy.D. at Univ. of San Francisco
Emily Wang, B.A in Psychology at CSULB
Jessica Wysocki, B.A., Outstanding Senior in Psychology
Jeanette Zambrano, M.A., Ph.D. in Urban Education at USC, CSUSB Assistant Professor of Teacher Education
Graduate Students
Rita Butrus, M.A. in Psychological Research
Esther Choe, M.A. in Psychological Research
Ramon Flores, M.A., Ph.D. In Human Development and Psychology at UCLA
Anais Martinez, M.A., pursuing Ph.D. in Psychology at UC Riverside
Alisha Osornio, M.A. in Psychology