Professor Alexandra Main's research focuses on social and emotional development of children and adolescents within the family context. Specifically, she is interested in the development of empathy and emotion regulation and how these processes are shaped by temperament, family, and culture. She is currently working on projects investigating communication of empathy between parents and adolescents, how cultural orientations influence family emotional communication, and the implications of these processes for psychological and physical health.
Erica Hanes is a second-year graduate student. She received her BA in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University. During her time at PSU, she researched aspects of culture and diversity among Latino/a adolescents. Erica is excited to continue to explore culture, specifically prosocial behaviors among immigrants and undocumented persons.
KateyWorkmanis a first-year graduate student. She received her B.A. (English Literature), B.S. (Human Development) and M.A. (Marriage, Family, and Human Development) from Brigham Young University. Her research has focused primarily on early and emerging adult prosocial behavior as well as mental health outcomes. Katey is eager to learn more about the role of culture in the enactment of prosocial behavior and their collective contribution to resilience. She continues to co-own and operate a mental health clinic in Utah.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Lam-Anh Nguyen is a third-year public health major with a minor in psychology. She is from Orange County, Santa Ana and plans to further her education and attend grad school for a masters in epidemiology after her time in UC Merced. During her free time, she loves to play with her cat, sleep, and hang out with her sister.
Linh-Chi Nguyen is currently an undergrad at UC Merced and plans to graduate May 2024. Originally from Santa Ana, California, she hopes to complete a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She wants to focus on culture and its effect on one's perception of mental health. Linh-Chi enjoys reading and traveling in her spare time.
Angela Quiroz-Cruzis currently a 4th year transfer student at UC Merced majoring in Psychology. Her intention is to apply to graduate school after completing her B.A. degree to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and work towards doing a focus within Forensic Psychology. Angela was born in Mexico and immigrated to the U.S at the age of 8. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her cat, exercising and exploring the history of humans.
Emily Rodriguez is currently an undergraduate third year at UC Merced. She is majoring in Psychology and hopes to attend graduate school focusing on Neuropsychology. She was born in the US, but was raised in Colima, Mexico for her entire primary education. She has since migrated and lived in Atwater, CA. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and loved ones.
