Our Team
Lab Director
Michael A. Trujillo, Ph.D. (all pronouns)
Dr. Michael Trujillo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University.
Their research examines the social and health consequences of stigma, the pathways that link stigma and health, and the strengths exhibited by stigmatized populations that mitigate these experiences.
They apply an intersectional framework to their research questions to move towards greater health equity for all.
They received their Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University, and their B.A. from California State University, Long Beach.
Lab Manager
Will Crouch, B.S. (he/him)
Will Crouch is our lab manager and a proud alumni of Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Psychology (c/o 2019).
Will is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the lab and oversees a team of undergraduate research assistants. Outside of administrative duties, Will's research interests focus on the social support dynamics of BIPOC communities living with chronic illnesses, most notably diabetes and heart disease. Ancillary interests include public health policy and the history of political activism in the security of universal healthcare.
Beyond the lab, Will is an avid sports fan, video game expert, and professional napper. He enjoys spending the weekends catching up on sleep, brunching with friends, and exploring Pittsburgh's diverse neighborhoods for the best bars and restaurants in town!
Research Assistants
Spring 2024 Lab Members
Vivianne Lee (she/her)
Hometown: Denver, CO
Year: First-Year
Major: Cognitive Science/Undecided
Research Interests: Psychology, health, human-computer interaction
Outside Interests: KASA board member, an aspiring dancer, cat lover
Meena Sundrum (she/her)
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Attachment theory, generational trauma, identity formation
Outside Interests: I'm part of the exec team for South Asian Student Association and Strong Women Strong Girls. Outside of school I'm usually crafting with friends, baking, or perusing in the library for my next read!
Yiyao Wang (he/him)
Hometown: Shandong, China
Year: Sophomore
Major: Information System/Psychology (Minor: HCI)
Research Interests: Social psychology, HCI, UX/UI
Outside Interests: Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Association, Undergraduate Student Senate, 67-250 TA, IS Ambassador
Kaylee Hong (she/her)
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Year: Sophomore
Major: Psychology (Minor: BME)
Research Interests: Clinical/social psychology, discrimination in healthcare and medicine
Outside Interests: Badminton Team, Global Medical Brigades, dance, PC games, journaling
Zane Kelley (he/him)
Hometown: Beaver, PA
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Chronic stress, health, social support, and relationships
Outside Interests: Music and cooking
Max Labovitz (he/him)
Hometown: Rye, NY
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and Mechanical Engineering (dual degree)
Research Interests: Social and community support
Outside Interests: PRISM, Dungeons and Dragons, Knitting
Jacob Elkins (he/him)
Hometown: Baltimore County, MD
Year: Sophomore
Major: Neuroscience (Minor: Chemistry)
Research Interests: Neuroscience, social psychology, cognitive psychology
Outside Interests: Soccer, skiing, golf, AEPi member
Tasnim Rida (she/her)
Hometown: New York City, NY
Year: Junior
Major: Statistics (Minor: Media Design)
Research Interests: Social psychology, health psychology, women's health
Outside Interests: Trying new restaurants, going to museums
Silas Wang (he/him)
Hometown: Morgantown, WV
Year: Junior
Major: Statistics (Minor: Chemistry)
Research Interests: Health, social psychology
Outside Interests: Leadership, fellowship, community service
Camille Chandler (she/her)
Hometown: Howell, MI
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology and Decision Science
Research Interests: Academic outcomes of BIPOC students, diversity ideologies, psychometrics
Outside Interests: Dancers’ Symposium, Infra Dance Company, Soulstylz Dance Crew, and Lunar Gala Dance.
Melos Bekaj (he/him)
Hometown: Yonkers, NY
Year: Senior
Major/Minor: Neuroscience
Research Interests: Cognitive and social psychology, neuroscience, physiology
Outside Interests: Going to the gym, reading, MMA, soccer, movies, music, talking long walks on the beach