Team Members – UCR | Youth Health and Development Lab

Director: Aerika Brittian Loyd, Ph.D.

Dr. Aerika Brittian Loyd is a community-engaged developmental scientist in the Department of Psychology at UC Riverside, who uses psychology, human development, and prevention science theories to investigate how intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, and identity inform health and development for youth and young adults of color (e.g., Black and Latinx). Dr. Loyd enjoys spending time with family, gardening, and learning languages.

Email: aerikal@ucr.edu

Graduate Students

	Linsey Donovan Linsey is a fifth-year PhD student in the School Psychology Program at UCR. She received her BA in Psychology from Le Moyne College and her MA and Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology from University at Buffalo. Broadly, Linsey is interested in examining how public school systems interact with Black students experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or trauma. Her current project examines whether the percentage of African-American students in a school, the number of full-time law enforcement or security officers assigned to a school, and the interaction between the two predict student out-of-school suspension rates. Linsey is advised by Dr. Austin Johnson of the School Psychology program. Email: linsey.donovan@email.ucr.edu
	LeNisha Williams LeNisha is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Developmental Psychology at UC Riverside. She earned her B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis in Applied Developmental Science from California State University, Northridge. Her research explores how educational environments shape individuals’ ethnic-racial identity development and academic outcomes. During her free time, she enjoys discovering new music, painting, and spending time with family and friends. Email: lenisha.williams@email.ucr.edu
	Tate LeBlanc Tate is a fourth-year graduate student in the Ph.D. program in Developmental Psychology at UCR and a member of the YHD Lab. His emerging program of research seeks to understand the social and phenomenological processes underlying identity, efficacy, and aspiration development among Black youth in both online and offline contexts. Outside the lab, Tate enjoys learning new languages, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. Email: jleblanc@ucr.edu
	Nia Williams I am a third-year PhD student in the Developmental Psychology program. I am a two-time alumna of the University of the District of Columbia for my Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Counseling. I am interested in studying the academic and mental health outcomes of African American youth impacted by their culture. I am also interested in Life Span development. Outside of academia, I like to binge watch shows, journal and explore new cities! Email: nia.williams@email.ucr.edu
	Chelsea McElwee Chelsea is third-year doctoral student working in the YHD lab with a strong desire to continue to serve the public good in academia and at a community level after program completion. She is ultimately passioned around empowering Black and Latinx youth to be able to thrive in their own communities. Broadly, her research interest is around exploring factors that prevent youth from being able to thrive in overlooked and under-resourced communities. Fun fact: I love to watch Tik Tok videos and traveling. Email: chelsea.mcelwee@email.ucr.edu
	Joshua Murillo Josh is second-year doctoral student, who earned his master’s degree in psychological research and is extremely excited to continue his journey at UCR with the YHD lab under Dr. Loyd’s guidance. Josh’s research and passion is inspired upon equality and giving back to ethnic minority marginalized communities for his daughter and future generations. His research interests focus on health inequalities, adverse health outcomes, and community participatory action research among marginalized communities. During his free time, he loves to go running and play a video game called Pump It Up. Email: josh.murillo@email.ucr.edu

Undergraduate/Postbaccalaureate Research Assistants

	Sierra Sutton My name is Sierra and I’m a 4th year psychology major. I’m interested in learning more about developmental psychology. In the future, I look forward to pursuing graduate school and working to fight mental health disparities among African American and Latinx youth.Email: sierra.sutton@email.ucr.edu
	Kayla Daniel My name is Kayla and I am a 4th year African American Studies major. I am interested in the identity development of black youth. In the future, I hope to contribute to the field of research involving Black studies and overarching themes of black psychological development. Email: kayla.daniel@email.ucr.edu
	Amber Summers My name is Amber and I am a 4th year psychology major. I am interested in studying neurodevelopmental disorders in diverse populations, primarily Black and Native American women. In the future, I hope to gain a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus in development. Through research, I hope to promote understanding, equity, and create more resources for populations that are often underrepresented in research. Email: amber.summers@email.ucr.edu
	Michelle Medina Hello! My name is Michelle and I’m a second year Psychology B.S. student and I’m very excited to be apart of this lab. My research interests include studying the impact of students’ cultural backgrounds on their personality/perception of their mental health. A fun fact about me is that I have two pet rabbits. Email: mmedi119@email.ucr.edu
	Halie Allen My name is Halie Allen and I am a fourth-year Anthropology major with a concentration in Black & Black Diaspora Studies and a minor in Psychology. In the future, I hope to become a therapist who works mainly with children, especially those of color. I plan to pursue higher education and earn a PsyD. Email: halie.allen@email.ucr.edu
	Elsie Awuah Elsie Awuah is a 4th year Psychology major who plans on earning her B.S. in Psychology in Spring of 2024. She gained her love in developmental psychology as she has worked with children for the past year and is fascinated by their perspective of life. Post-graduation, she is hoping to be on the path of obtaining her PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on development. Email: elsie.awuah@email.ucr.edu