Esmerelda Ramirez ’24

Major: Psychology

Esmeralda Ramirez is a Psychology undergraduate student and teleconsent research assistant for the RISE Study. She plans on pursuing a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. with an interest in trauma. She enjoys writing poetry, working out, and yoga in her free time. 

Brooklynn Brown ’24

Majors: Psychology and Biochemistry

Brooklynn Brown is interested in learning more about psychological disorders, specifically PTSD and other trauma-associated disorders. She wants to learn more about potential career paths incorporating psychology, medicine, and social work. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, reading romance novels, and watching true crime shows

Natalie Chisam ’24

Major: Psychology

Natalie is a junior pursuing her passion for psychology with a minor in neuroscience. Her academic journey is guided by a deep curiosity about the intersection of substance use and it’s impact on mental health disorders, as well as the prevention of trauma symptoms. With a keen interest in researching children and young adults, Natalie aspires to make a lasting impact on their psychological well-being.

Her long term goal is to embark on a path toward a clinical psychology degree with a specialization in child care, driven by her dedication to improving the lives of young individuals facing mental health challenges. Beyond her academic pursuits, Natalie finds joy in spending quality time with her pets and is dedicated to her friends and family.

Janelle Farraris, ’23

Major: Psychology

Janelle Ferraris (she/her) recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from UNLV with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as an Outstanding Graduate for the Class of 2023. Her main research interests focus on anxiety and depression in adolescents and adults of minority populations, specifically Asian and Asian Americans. She currently works as the Clinical Intake Coordinator for the Eating Disorder Institute of Las Vegas. Her goal is to continue her education to obtain a Ph. D in Clinical Psychology and eventually go into private practice. For fun, Janelle enjoys spending time with her 3 dogs, getting boba with friends, and playing violin with the Nevada Chamber Orchestra.

Hazel Jane Cadiz, ’25

Major: Psychology

Hazel is a junior studying psychology and neuroscience. She wants to pursue graduate school and get a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests surround severe mental illnesses, neurodevelopmental disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Outside of the lab, she is also an intern for POWER & CHARGE UP by UNLV Practice, focusing on helping individuals with early bipolar and high-risk of psychosis. With experience working with both civil and forensic populations, she hopes she can increase prevention and provide early treatment for those with mental illnesses. She is open to working with all ages. Hazel hopes to advance the science of psychology, increase access to psychological care, and have a positive impact on her community and beyond. As a student, Hazel likes to work out, play video games, eat out, and go anywhere fun like claw machines.

Mary Makaryan, ’27

Major: Psychology

Mary Makaryan is a freshman at UNLV majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology. She has always had an interest in psychology and mental health disorders, especially since it’s not a topic her culture focuses on. She wants to pursue research in mental health disorders such as anxiety and trauma as well as family/marriage studies. Her long-term goal is to pursue a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and open a private practice specifically for families and married couples. Mary is a proud Armenian who wishes to bring more mental health awareness to her community. Other than academics, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, traveling, and painting.

Kara Petitt ‘24

Major: Psychology and Political Science

Kara is in her second year at the ITR-STAR lab. She is in her fourth year at UNC, studying Psychology and Political Science. Outside of classes and the lab, she is an ambassador to the psychology department, a member of the Order of the Bell Tower, and an Undergraduate Intern at Triangle Child Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys doing anything outside or with friends, or spending time with her cat Louie. She hopes to go to graduate school and pursue a career in clinical psychology after graduating.