Meet the Team

Research Coordinators

Professor Hyesung Grace Hwang, Principal Investigator & Director

Dr. Hwang is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of California Santa Cruz. She leads the Diversity in Development Lab. She received her B.A. in Psychology from University of Chicago, M.S.W. from Columbia University, Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at University of Chicago. Her research has been supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and American Psychological Foundation (APF). She is a developmental psychologist interested in how early emerging cognitive and affective mechanisms that initially help us learn about the social world later hinders us from creating a more equitable society. Check her website for more information.

Annie Schwartzstein, B.A., Graduate Student

Annie is a third year graduate student in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Annie received her B.A. in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Minnesota. She previously worked as a lab manager for Dr. Lauren Emberson at the Princeton Baby Lab where she conducted eye-tracking research with toddlers. Annie is interested in how children develop a sense of political identity, as well as how their social context impacts how they feel about and choose to partake in political activism. Outside of the lab, Annie enjoys baking for friends, trying out new restaurants, and reading.

Samantha Fong, B.S., Graduate Student

Samantha is a second year graduate student in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She received her B.S. in Cognitive Science with an emphasis in Neuroscience and a minor in Education from the University of California, Davis. Before joining the DID lab, Samantha worked as a research assistant at Dr. Steve Luck’s Laboratory for Basic and Translational Cognitive Neuroscience and Dr. Susan Rivera’s Neurocognitive Development Lab. Samantha is currently interested in researching the neural bases of infant’s perception of racial ingroups and outgroups and the impact of diversity in social environments. Outside of the lab, she enjoys crocheting, knitting, and traveling.

Tobi Britton, Ed.M., Graduate Student

Tobi is a second year graduate student in the Department of Psychology at the University of California Santa Cruz, and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and her Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard. Prior to embarking on her PhD journey Tobi worked as a researcher in Dr. Marjorie Rhodes’ Conceptual Development and Social Cognition lab at NYU on projects related to the emergence of racial bias in early childhood. Tobi is broadly interested in how aspects of young children’s social environment influence their social-cognitive development. When she is not in the lab, Tobi enjoys spending time with her family, surfing, and being in nature with friends.

Ian Ferrucci, B.A., Junior Specialist

Ian is a Junior Specialist at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Carleton College. His past experience working with children comes from Santa Cruz Soccer Camp in Santa Cruz county as a coach, helping children better understand life while having fun in the sun. Ian is broadly interested in how factors in a child’s environment affect how they see and interact with the world. Outside of the lab, Ian plays soccer with friends and practices his trumpet and guitar.

Seaera Juarez, B.S., Lab Manager

Seaera is the Lab Manager of the Diversity in Development Lab in the Psychology Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She received her B.S. in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Human Developmental Sciences from the University of California, San Diego. Before joining the lab, Seaera worked as a research assistant in Dr. Lindsey Powell’s Social Cognition and Learning Lab and as a student researcher for the Center for Research on Educational Equity, Assessment, & Teaching Excellence at UCSD. She is broadly interested in the developmental mechanisms that facilitate and underlie social learning. Outside of the lab, Seaera enjoys sculpting, cooking for friends, and reading.

Research Assistants

Genevieve Greco, Research Assistant

Genevieve is a third-year intensive psychology and education major at University of California, Santa Cruz. Her previous work experience includes working with kids from TK- 5th grade as a Paraeducator for the Santa Cruz City Elementary School District. She has also had previous experience working as a student worker for the Orcutt Union School District’s Nutrition Department. Outside of the lab, her hobbies include playing tennis, painting, and reading.

Kinsey Peterlinz, Research Assistant

Kinsey is a third year Cognitive Science and Psychology major at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Their previous experience involves working as a Behavioral Technician to help kids on the Autism Spectrum learn social skills and work on their own personal goals. They also have experience as a Teacher’s Assistant and as a summer camp counselor. Kinsey aspires to pursue a PhD in Cognitive Psychology, and work in research focused on cognitive development in adolescence. Outside of the lab, Kinsey enjoys attending concerts, surfing, photography, and playing with their cats.

Kamari Villegas, Research Assistant

Kamari is a fourth-year undergraduate double majoring in Psychology and Cognitive Science at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has previously tutored children in grades 4-6 in math and science and is currently working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), administering Behavioral Therapy to children with Autism. Kamari has a strong interest in developmental cognitive science and is passionate about working with and supporting neurodivergent children. She aspires to pursue a career in Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychology. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, baking, and visiting local cafes.

Victoria Flores, Research Assistant

Victoria is a rising fourth-year undergraduate student at University of California, Santa Cruz pursuing a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. Her previous work experience includes working in K-12 as an instructor assistant for students on the Autism spectrum. She also has experience mentoring FRC Robotics business teams and tutoring AVID students. Her goal is to make education as accessible and inclusive as possible. Outside of the lab, Victoria enjoys cooking for others and collecting funky earrings.

Arielle Poon, Research Assistant

Arielle is a third year psychology major with a biology minor at UC Santa Cruz. Her previous work experience includes working as a dance teacher for kids at her hometown dance studio and a resident assistant for the Joffrey Ballet School New York Summer Intensive. Arielle has also worked on campus at AAPIRC and Cowell Programs where she provided programs and resources to students. She is interested in working with children in the field of clinical psychology. Outside of lab, Arielle enjoys going to the beach, trying new foods, and hanging out with her loved ones.

Arielle Ong, Research Assistant

Arielle is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at University of California, Santa Cruz. Previously, Arielle worked with kids in Fresno for a program called Circle of Friends, which aimed to help children process recent grief. She is interested in how psychology and social injustice connect and is interested in how research can be used to address these inequalities. Outside of the lab, Arielle enjoys playing video games, video editing, and learning more about niche topics on the internet.

Audrey Yu, Research Assistant

Audrey is a fourth-year undergraduate Psychology major at University of California, Santa Cruz and plans to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology after receiving her Bachelor’s. Her previous experience working with children includes working as a tutor for young children in high school and volunteering at a summer camp. She is interested in learning how children learn and perceive the world around them. Outside of lab and school, Audrey enjoys baking, reading and napping.

Ella Onderdonk, Research Assistant

Ella is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in Psychology, with a minor in Spanish Language and Literature. Her past experience working with children comes from her work with the ACES-LA initiative at UCLA Pediatrics, bridging the gap between pediatric patients’ mental health concerns and their physical health providers. She is interested in pursuing a career in child and adolescent psychology, with a hope to give kids and teens the tools they need to succeed in life. Outside of the lab, Ella loves to read, spend time outside, and play with her cat, Kylo.

Ally Radford, Research Assistant

Ally is a third year undergraduate pursuing a double major in Psychology and Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, planning to graduate a year early. Her previous experience includes teaching preschool students at summer programs in Ventura and Ojai School Districts. She also worked as a dental assistant at private practice in Ventura, where she helped many kids and patients feel comfortable undergoing dental procedures. She is interested in both developmental psychology and forensic psychology, wanting to explore how mental health intersects with law. She hopes to attend graduate school to become a psychologist, working with children facing unique experiences and those impacted by the legal system. In her free time she enjoys going to the beach, reading, and making jewelry for her small business.

Jessica Medina, Research Assistant

Jessica is a fourth-year Psychology major with a minor in LALS at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Their previous work experience includes being a summer camp counselor, volunteering abroad in Ireland for The Solas Project, and taking care of children from her hometown church. She is interested in pursuing her PhD in Developmental Psychology, and they are interested in how children are affected by their environment and the social world. Outside of the lab, she loves to play guitar and experiment with fashion and makeup.

Kendall Byers, Research Assistant

Kendall is a second-year psychology major at the University of
California, Santa Cruz. Her previous work experience includes coaching
preschool-aged children in gymnastics and dance. She is interested in
how multi-racial children interact with their environment as well as
how they develop social and racial biases. Kendall aspires to pursue a
PhD in clinical psychology, working with adolescent patients to manage
chronic pain, and she also hopes to work in research focused on
trauma-storing within the body. Outside of the lab, she enjoys going
on walks, baking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Nicole Sotomayor, Research Assistant

Nicole Sotomayor Torres is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with an intensive concentration at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her previous work involves volunteering in childcare centers in her hometown. She currently serves as a lead peer advisor for the Psychology Department. She is interested in attending graduate school and pursuing a career in clinical social work or forensic psychology. Outside of the lab, Nicole enjoys second-hand shopping, road trips, and spending time with her loved ones.

Nino Ghvanidze, Research Assistant

Nino Ghvanidze is a fourth year Intensive Psychology Student at University of California, Santa Cruz. Her work experience includes being a summer program activity leader for elementary school students, as well as working at Westlake Elementary as a Friendship Coach to help first graders enhance their social skills. In her free time, Nino enjoys playing bass, watching movies, and going to concerts.

Bhavya Kallam, Research Assistant

Bhavya is a rising senior at the University of California, Santa Cruz, majoring in Biotechnology and Global and Community Health. Her previous experience includes coaching and volunteering with elementary and middle school robotics. Bhavya is passionate about understanding how children’s perceptions of identity, inclusion, and equity develop and how these early social experiences can impact health disparities later in life. Outside of the lab, she enjoys the beach, baking, hanging out with friends and playing chess.

Nara Kim, Research Assistant

Nara is a second year Intensive Psychology student with a minor in GISES at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has experience working in a Child Development Center along with tutoring students in Elementary and early Grade school. She is interested in how physical space facilitates development and social interaction. Nara aspires to pursue a M.A in IO Psychology, focused on the application and execution of real-world solutions. Outside of the lab, Nara enjoys cafe hopping with friends, photography, and reading