Adela Yang
Adela is a third year neuroscience student at UBC, who is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health Study. She is curious about the intersection between health psychology and rehabilitation, with a particular interest in how social support contributes to motivational aspects of wellbeing. In her free time, Adela enjoys reading historical fiction, walking her dog, and going to the gym.
Anita Budwal
Anita is a third year psychology undergraduate student, who is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health Study. Within the realm of psychology, her research interests involve developmental and health psychology, with a focus on the implications of social isolation in older adults. Beyond the lab, Anita enjoys travelling, drawing, and going on early morning runs.
Dipra Gulati
Dipra is a second year undergraduate student, majoring in Psychology. She is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health study. Her research interests are in clinical, health, and developmental psychology. She is interested in understanding factors that predispose individuals to addictive behaviors, identifying neurobiological indicators linked to addiction, and developing strategies for prevention and treatment interventions. Beyond psychology, she enjoys reading, cooking and cherishing sunsets at the beach!
Emma Furland
Emma is a third year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and minoring in education. She is interested in how social stigma impacts the ways older adults with disabilities cope with their condition. During her free time Emma enjoys painting, volunteering, and spending time with her friends
India Nornes
My name is India Nornes and I am a third year student majoring in Psychology, and minoring in Biology. My current research interests include the interconnection between psychological and physiological well-being, and how social interactions can optimize older adult mental health. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, running, skiing, playing tennis, and anything that has to do with the outdoors.
Jane Christiana
I’m a fourth-year undergraduate student studying psychology, working as a Senior Residence Advisor, and engaging with the community at UBC and across Vancouver in meaningful ways. I am interested in developmental risk and resilience, supporting vulnerable groups, and mental health. In my free time I like to connect with friends and family, swim, try new coffee shops, and stay active.
King Ying Lau
King is a 4th year BSc Behavioural Neuroscience student volunteering as a research assistant for the Allies in Health study. Her research interests include psychosocial wellbeing in older adults, neuroscience-informed approaches to assessments and interventions in mood disorders, and cultural perspectives on mental health. In her free time, King enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, playing video games and going snowboarding.
Ruri Aoki
Ruri is a third year undergraduate student majoring in psychology. Her research interests include the effects of social interaction and stress on aging and recovery from injuries and disabilities. She is also interested in the relationship between anxiety and developmental disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Saray Membreno
Saray is a second year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and planning to minor in family studies. She is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health study. She is passionate about topics ranging from clinical, health, to developmental psychology. This includes further understanding the comorbidities of anxiety and eating disorders in adolescents, and their corresponding biopsychosocial effects on health and wellbeing. In her free time, she enjoys cafe hopping with friends across the city and baking new recipes.
Shaneya (Naya) Vij
Naya is a third year undergraduate student in Kinesiology. She is currently a research assistant for the Allies in Health study. Naya is interested in learning about the connection between physical and psychological health among older adults, along with how individuals cope with stress. Her research interests include health, clinical, and developmental psychology. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, listening to music, and spending time with her friends.
Sidney Ho
Sidney is a second year neuroscience undergraduate student and a research assistant for the Allies in Health project. Her research interests include the neural basis of music perception and the impact emotional memories. Outside the lab, she enjoys dancing, cafe-hopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Villanelle Yuan
Villanelle is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology. Her research interests span clinical, health, and social psychology, particularly in enhancing older adults’ well-being. She is also interested in how culture shapes cognitive processing in depression and anxiety. In her free time, Villanelle enjoys bouldering, hiking, and photography.