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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 I am not recruiting graduate students for the Psychology PhD program for Fall 2026. Check out other esteemed faculty in the Developmental area: https://psychology.ucr.edu/developmental-psychology |
Graduate Students
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LeNisha Williams
LeNisha is a fifth-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.
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Tate LeBlanc
Tate is a fifth-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 |
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Nia Williams
I am a fourth-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. My research includes how racialized experiences, campus climate, and policy shape the mental health, identity development, and academic outcomes of Black college students. My work integrates culturally grounded frameworks to inform equity-focused interventions and institutional practices in higher education. 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 |
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Chelsea McElwee
Chelsea is fourth-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. |
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Megan Richardson
Megan is a first-year PhD student in Developmental Psychology at UC Riverside. She earned her master’s degree in Human Development and Education at Harvard University and is especially interested in how family connections can support youth of color, helping them to navigate challenges like discrimination while building strong and positive identities. Megan loves wandering and discovering new places, listening to music, dancing, and finding new outlets for her creativity. |
Undergraduate/Postbaccalaureate Research Assistants
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Sagey Moorjani
My name is Sagey Moorjani, and I am a third year psychology major. I am interested in understanding the brain and human behavior. In the future, I plan to get my PsyD. in clinical psychology and pursue research in the mental health field. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting, trying new cafes, and spending time with friends and family. Email: sagey.moorjani@email.ucr.edu |
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Stela Noelle Abasta
My name is Stela, and I’m a psychology major. In the future, I plan to attend medical school and become a psychiatrist. My interests include reading, video games, and D&D. |
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Angel Emele
My name is Angel Emele, and I am a fourth-year psychology major. My research interests center on mental health among immigrants and minority youth. In the future, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy with a focus on family dynamics within minority groups. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature with loved ones and engaging in in-depth conversations about our passions. Email: angel.emele@email.ucr.edu |
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Munashe Mavhera
Hello, my name is Munashe Mavheraand I am a fourth year psychology major. My research interests include understanding factors that may impact the well being and mental health of immigrants and minority youth. In the future I hope to pursue a career in Behavioral Health. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and being absorbed by nature. |
Lab Alumni
Elsie Awuah – Sonoma State University, Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program
Musashi Avalos – Cal State Fullerton, MS in Clinical Psychology program
Dion Chon – Cal State Fullerton, MA in Psychological Research program
Bethel Israel – UCLA Masters of Social Welfare program
Maria Faheem – Cal State LA Masters in Counseling and School Psychology program
Aylin Luna – UC Riverside, Developmental Psychology PhD program
Marilyn Serrano – UC Berkeley’s Master’s of Social Welfare program
Gilberto Torres – CUNY Clinical Psychology PhD program
Dulce Wilkinson Westberg – Assistant Professor; UC Davis
Liana Willis – University of Missouri, PhD program in Public Affairs