Carnegie Mellon University

Our Team

Lab Director

Michael A. Trujillo, Ph.D. (all pronouns)

Michael Trujillo headshotDr. 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.

Read a faculty spotlight about Michael

Lab Manager

Will Crouch, B.S. (he/him)

Will CrouchWill 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 Staff

Zoe Alarcon (she/her)

Zoe Alarcon headshotZoe Alarcon is a research assistant and Amherst College alumna, where she earned a BA in Psychology and Philosophy.

Zoe helps oversee lab organization and works with undergraduate research assistants to recruit participants and collect data. Her research interests center on moving beyond deficit-based clinical models to promote health equity not just at individual but also structural levels. In line with her philosophy background, she also enjoys studying epistemology and the philosophy and history of science.

Outside of the lab, Zoe enjoys attending social and arts-based events. Some of her hobbies include weightlifting, listening to music, writing, and reading.

Graduate Students

Kaylee Foor, B.S. (she/her)

Kaylee Foor headshotKaylee received her B.S. in Psychology from Penn State University, and is currently a first-year graduate student at CMU pursuing her Ph.D. in Social/Health Psychology.

Her research explores social drivers of health and well-being sexual and gender minorities. Through her work, she aims to clarify the utility of social messaging and systemic inequity on LGBTQ+ lives, so as to eradicate disparities and promote queer joy.

Outside of the classroom, Kaylee spends her time reading, going for walks, and talking to her two cats, Orzo and Eloise.

Emiliano Irena Hernandez, M.A. (he/him)

Emiliano Irena HernandezEmiliano received his B.A. in International Relations from Universidad de las Américas - Mexico City and his M.A.'s in International Relations (University of Bath, UK) and Public Policy (Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales), and is currently a first-year graduate student at CMU pursuing his Ph.D. in Social/Health Psychology.

His research focuses on mechanisms of stigma, prejudice, and discrimination might influence social behavior, decision-making, problem-solving, and intergroup relations.

Outside of the classroom, Emiliano spends time playing with his dog, enjoying pilates and indoor cycling, and binge watching the latest hit Netflix series.

Letian Huang, B.S./B.A. (she/her)

Letian Huang headshotLetian received her B.S. in psychology and B.A. in philosophy from Carnegie Mellon University, and is currently a first-year graduate student CMU pursuing her Ph.D. in Social/Health Psychology.

Her research explores how stressors related to discrimination and stigma may affect one’s biological and psychosocial development, and what protective factors may lead to improved coping abilities and resilience to negative health outcomes.

Outside of the classroom, Letian likes crocheting, reading, and playing badminton!

Research Assistants

SherLab Team Fall 2025
Fall 2025 Lab Members

Lily Yang (she/her)

Lily Yang headshot

Hometown: Sunnyvale, TX
Year: 2027
Major: Psychology and Music Performance
Research Interests: Clinical/social psychology, mental health, stereotypes
Outside Interests: SDC Buggy (head driver), Lean On Me (vice president), volunteering, watching DCI

Han Na (any/all)

Han Na headshot

Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Year: 2028
Major: Decision Science/EHPP
Research Interests: Social decision making, ideological development, environmental education
Outside Interests: Music, drawing, DIY-ing

Amanda Puentes (she/her)

Amanda Puentes headshot

Hometown: Frederick, MD
Year: 2027
Major: Psychology (Minor: Hispanic Studies)
Research Interests: Social psychology, stigma and its impact, clinical psychology
Outside Interests: Crochet, SHPE, mentoring, and thrifting

Yiyao Wang (he/him)

Yiyao Wang headshot

Hometown: Shandong, China
Year: 2026
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)

Kaylee Hong headshot

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Year: 2026
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

Zilan Ong (she/her)

Zilan Ong headshot

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Year: 2028
Major: Architecture
Research Interests: Mental health, neuroscience, neurodiversity
Outside Interests: barista-ing, creative writing, Camp Kesem

Rose Seet (she/her)

Rose Seet headshot

Hometown: Singapore & Shanghai, China
Year: 2026
Major: Art and Psychology
Research Interests: Discrimination, stereotyping
Outside Interests: Painting, roller skating, hanging out with my 2 cats

Lab Alumni

    • Rubie Yu (S25, F25)
    • T'Ana Moore (S25)
    • Celine Park (F24, S25)
    • Jacob Elkins (S24, F24, S25)
    • Zane Kelley (F23, S24, F24, S25)
    • Marisa Tozzi (F24, S25)
    • Camille Chandler (F23, S24, F24, S25)
  • Silas Wang (F23, S24)
  • Vivianne Lee (S24)
  • Meena Sundrum (S24)
  • Max Labovitz (F23, S24)
  • Melos Bekaj (F23, S24)
  • Tasnim Rida (F23, S24)