People

Precious Araujo

I am a third-year Psychological Science Ph.D. student at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Psychological Science from UCI. My current research interests focus on identifying positive psychosocial factors such as self-esteem and social support networks that may buffer the effects of prolonged stress (e.g., parent-child separations) and trauma (e.g., intimate partner violence) on mental health outcomes in ethnic minorities, with an emphasis on the perinatal period. My program of work aims to foster resilience in these vulnerable communities by understanding what role psychosocial forces play in their physiological processes and how they relate to psychological health outcomes. I am also building on my efforts through UCI’s POWER Initiative by implementing resilience-building workshops and informed action on campus to promote proactive behaviors among minority trauma victims.

Ghazal Naderi

I got my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Tehran and went on to complete the Post-Baccalaureate Program in Psychological Science at UC Irvine. Broadly, I’m interested in how trauma impacts maternal and postpartum health. My goal is to help develop culturally responsible interventions for women with PTSD.

Angela Robinson, Ph.D.

I am a Postdoctoral Scholar at the UCI Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation. I am collaborating on a study with Dr. Almeida to learn more about discrimination that birthing women experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how this impacted their well-being. My main line of research is focused on developing, implementing, and evaluating a methodology that empowers survivors of human trafficking while improving the services that anti-trafficking organizations provide to victims. I completed a BA at the University of Illinois; an MSc in Cross-Cultural Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington; and a PhD in Social Psychology at the University of California, Irvine.

Elaine Calvillo

I’m a fourth-year undergrad at UCI majoring in Psychological Science with a minor in Chicano/Latino Studies. Since my teenage years, I’ve been passionate about supporting the mental and overall health of the Latinx community, especially children, women, and families. This interest has led me to join various campus organizations dedicated to bridging the gap between resources and support for first-generation Latinx students and communities. That same passion led me to the Latina Perinatal Health Lab, where I was drawn to how the work looks at pregnancy and motherhood through a cultural lens, recognizing that these experiences aren’t just biological but deeply shaped by mental health, cultural identity, and social factors. This research honors Latina families’ strengths and challenges, reflecting the community I’m passionate about supporting. I hope to work as a therapist supporting children and families, especially those navigating adverse experiences. When I’m not studying or working, I enjoy making art, live music, and spending time with loved ones.

Tonantzin Lavenant-Hayward

I am a second year majoring in Biological Sciences and specializing in biochemistry. In my free time I enjoy baking, hiking, and going to the movies. My interest in this lab stems from a personal observation about the lack of support and resources for Latina mothers. Also how it is a significantly under-addressed and prevalent problem. My goals include becoming a medical researcher to bridge gaps such as the one being addressed in this lab to promote equity for women’s healthcare.

Naomi Salazar

I earned my B.S. in Psychology at UCI in 2025. I have dedicated my time at UCI meeting great people, honing academic and professional skills, and, in my opinion most remarkably, towards the development of programming that enriches student lives that identify with the Latine/Chicane community through my role as an intern for the Latinx Resource Center. My programming focuses on mental health and personal wellness, and I have had the opportunity to learn about Latine student needs regarding mental health. Becoming a part of the Latina Perinatal Health Lab has allowed me to continue to foster my desire to learn about the needs of my community and be a part of research that takes into consideration cultural factors across psychological, social, and biological facets of life. As a first-generation Latina, it is my hope that – through research like the one done in Dr. Almeida’s lab- subsequent generations will benefit from more culturally aware treatments and healthcare that is empathetic to unique life experiences.