Clara Adkins (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year Psychology and English major with a minor in Public Writing and Rhetoric at the University of Virginia. Clara’s interest in research focuses on the inclusion of autistic youth in youth mental health studies, specifically the social perceptual differences putting autistic youth at risk for anxiety disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Coming from a small town in Appalachia, Clara’s postgraduate research goals aim to work in partnership with research labs to make updated findings and mediation approaches more accessible to intervention services in low-income areas. Clara hopes to use her experience in psychology and English in tandem in an effort to make research findings more inclusive and palatable for underserved rural communities. Apart from her career interests, Clara enjoys reading, crocheting, hiking, and learning to play the harmonica!

Kishanti Barmoh (Class of ’27) is a double major in Psychology and Youth & Social Innovation from Richmond, Virginia. On Grounds, she serves as Co-President of Black Voices Gospel Choir, Chair of Historic and Alumni Relations/Secretary for the Black Student Alliance, and Model Chair for Creative, Raw, and Very Edgy (CRAVE). Off Grounds, she holds the title of Miss Piedmont Region 2025, where she advocates for mindfulness practices and mental health literacy among youth. In her free time, Kishanti enjoys watching history documentaries, binging Netflix dramas, and spending time with family and friends.

Emily Epstein (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year from Hampton, VA pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. Emily’s research interests include the development of adolescent relationships within the context of social media usage as well as the “services cliff” among adults with autism spectrum disorder. Post-graduation, Emily hopes to take on a Research Coordinator position prior to pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on ABA. She aspires to utilze her dual interest in sociology and psychology to provide accessible mental health and support resources promoting connection across ASD and IDD communities. Outside of research, Emily enjoys reading thriller novels, dancing, studying languages, and spending time with family.

Jadyn Gabriel (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year undergraduate from Richmond, VA pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with a concentration in Gender Studies. Jadyn’s research interests include researching the impact of competition, audience stress, and anxiety on athletes’ performance, and how participation in sports shapes adolescents’ sense of identity and social belonging, with a focus on athletes belonging to an ethnic minority. Post-graduation, Jadyn hopes to pursue a PhD in Sport Psychology, using her knowledge in psychology and WGS to work with the NCAA in establishing mandatory psychologists for athletes at all universities. Outside of research, Jadyn enjoys reading, cooking and baking, and watching movies.

Hello! My name is Nikita Majumdar (she/they) and I’m a third-year at UVA majoring in Psychology and American Studies. My main research interests include the intersectionality between climate change and mental health issues, mental health in the Queer community, and the stigmatization of mental illness in the South Asian community. I love listening to music, going on long walks, visiting cute coffee shops, and hanging out with my friends! In the future, I hope to be a therapist and primarily work with children and adolescents!

Anastacia Oliynyk is a third-year undergraduate student at UVA. 

Layla Robinson is a fourth-year psychology major and an American Sign Language minor. Her research interests include finding ways to help bridge the gap when it comes to being a minority and seeking mental health services as well as finding better ways to serve minority communities. She is also very interested in collecting data about what happens during development and analyzing this data to help improve child developmental experiences. Post-graduation, she plans to enroll in a Psy.D. Program in hopes of becoming an adolescent clinical psychologist. Outside of research Layla is an active member in the American Sign language department as well as an active member of the DEAFS (Deaf Education and Awareness for Students) Club. She actively tutors other students learning ASL and about Deaf culture, while also helping plan events that help promote awareness for ASL and Deaf culture. Layla is also a UAA Scholar Mentor to first-year students offering guidance and support to help students succeed as they transition to college life. In her free time, she loves watching crime and medical shows, traveling, trying new foods, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. 

Kishanti Barmoh is a second-year undergraduate student at UVA.