Di Wang
Program Coordinator
Di is the program coordinator of the Psychology Peer Mentoring Program. He is an international student from Anhui, China, and just earned his B. A. degree in psychology and sociology from Stony Brook University. Now he is a master’s student working in Dr. Nicholas Eaton’s lab, and his research interest is about sleep disorders’ diagnoses and treatment. He is doing an internship in Putnam Hall, and currently developing ongoing assessments build-out in REDCap for better user experience.
Besides academic life, he loves any water-related events like water polo, swimming, etc. Sometimes he is also a competitive PC gamer.
Lauren Langman
Program Leader
Lauren is a senior double majoring in Biology and Psychology (B.S). She is currently applying to medical school to pursue her interest in medicine. She is a research assistant for Dr. Klein. Her other campus involvements include serving as president of the Scientific Journal Club and vice president of the NSLS. Off campus, she works as an ophthalmic technician and volunteers as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line. She loves hiking, travelling, and going to the beach.
Lingy Dong
Program Leader
Lingy is a third year student at Stony Brook, pursuing a double major in Psychology (B.A.) and Sociology, with a minor in China Studies. She is a research assistant in Dr. Sheri Levy’s Prejudice and Intergroup Relations Lab, the membership coordinator for the international Psychology honor society Psi Chi, and has conducted research within the Sociology department at Stony Brook.
Outside of academics, Lingy enjoys reading novels, watching various shows, and playing a variety of games. After graduating, she would like to explore a career within administration or the human resources field before going back to school to obtain a Master’s degree.
Rakshitha Yelimineti
Program Leader
Rakshitha is a Senior, double majoring in Psychology and Sociology (BA). She is one of the Leading Peer Mentors in the program. She is currently a research assistant in the Developmental Psychopathology Lab and the BESA & WTC Lab. She is also the President of the Psychology Student Alliance, an International Student Peer Mentor and was an International Student Ambassador Captain. She currently works as Success Navigator for the Academic Success and Tutoring Center and as a Student Assistant in testing sites. In her free time she loves reading (anything and everything), running and taking long naps.
After graduating, Rakshitha aspires to get her PhD in Clinical Psychology and eventually open her own Private practice
Wenting He
Program Leader
I am the Undergraduate Advising coordinator of the Psychology Peer Mentoring Program. I have earned my B.A. degree in Psychology from CUNY Queens College and currently work with Dr. Ryan Parsons for Neuroscience research in the animal model. My research interest is about how neurochemical changes caused by drugs can impact individuals’ behavior, such as motivation, memory, and learning ability. My long-term career goal is to pursue a Ph.D. degree in Cognition or Neuropsychology and teach in college.
I am an animal lover, I enjoy spending time with my cat Hennessy outside my academic life, and I want to have one more dog in the future, either Dobermann or German Shepherd. Staying with lovely animals can always reduce my stress and make me calm.
Aditi Tawde
Aditi Tawde is a 4th year Psychology student working towards her bachelor’s of science degree. She is in her second semester in the Psychology Honors Research program and continues to work in Dr. Mohanty’s neuroscience lab here at Stony Brook. She is also excited to take on the role of President of I Am That Girl this year! This is her second semester interning with the Center for Prevention and Outreach and also her second semester with the Peer Mentoring program. She is thrilled to be a mentor again!
Aja Carter
Aja is a senior at Stony Brook University, majoring in Psychology (B.A.), with a concentration in Sociology. She currently works as a human resource assistant for an income tax company while finishing her final semesters. She enjoys making and admiring art, going to the beaches, watching movies, spending time with her friends, but especially loves her two cats. Her long term goal is to pursue a career as a Substance Abuse counselor or a Mental Health counselor. After graduation, Aja plans on attaining her Cosmetology license to pursue her dream of becoming a nail technician.
Andy Jiang
I am a senior majoring in Biology (BS) and Psychology (BS), and currently on the pre-med track. My interest in neuroscience propelled me to major in psychology, my second major. It is one of the best choices I’ve made in college and it’s a program I can truly speak highly of. I am currently working in Leung Cognitive Neuroscience Lab with a focus on understanding early-stage Parkinson’s disease. I also work in the Mood and Cognition in Aging (MACA) lab where I screen participants for depression, another ailment that’s unfortunately affecting hundreds of million lives globally. Aside from academics, I like to lift weights, discover new music, play basketball, and watch some standup comedy in my free time. I have a very fond experience with teaching. I have been an organic chemistry TA for two years now, and it’s one of things I enjoy doing the most
Antara Saha
Antara is a junior at Stony Brook, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with concentrations in Biology and Chemistry. She is a Research Assistant for the Developmental Stress and Prevention Lab under Dr. Kristin Bernard.
A returning mentor, she loves traveling and getting away for weekends, watching police-procedural and thriller movies, and shopping all things street-wear. A cat lover, Tara heavily enjoys spending time in solitude to relax, rewind and experience new things with her closest friends and family. She also loves Korean food and trying new cuisines. Moreover, learning about developmental psychology, advocating for diversity initiatives, and being an active member of Psi Chi Honor Society, and Sigma Beta Honor Society on campus are also some of my favorite hobbies. She is also part of C-STEP, an enrichment program specially targeted to help students of color by diversifying and allowing for better involvement on campus.
Her long term ambition is to achieve a PhD in Developmental Psychopathology while working with children and families to research the effects of buffering roles against maladaptive outcomes, following trauma or maltreatment.
Calla Lewis
Calla is a 3rd year student in the Stony Brook Honors College. Calla is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Political Science. Calla is currently an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Bernard’s Developmental Stress and Prevention Lab. Calla works part time as a counselor at The Way Back, Inc. and as a teaching assistant at Kiddie Care Early Learning Center. Calla is also a Care Coordination Intern at WellLife Network. On campus, Calla is a member of Psi Chi and Phi Alpha Delta. Calla has recently started her senior thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Bernard studying the developmental effects of corporal punishment (i.e. spanking). Calla’s long-term career goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and go into research. In her free time, Calla enjoys spending time with her cat, Charlie, or binge watching Netflix shows.
Carrie Wu
Dipro Chowdhury
Dipro Chowdhury is a senior undergraduate student at Stony Brook University, majoring in Psychology (B.A.) with a minor in Health, Medicine and Society. He is currently a campus ambassador for HEAL Clinical Education Network, a program which seeks to promote clinical education and offers opportunities for students to shadow health professionals. Dipro is also a member of Psi Chi International Honor Society and Animated Perspectives. Outside of his studies, he thoroughly enjoys playing basketball, watching anime, listening to music, and weightlifting.
Elden Flores
Elden is a senior at Stony Brook University, double majoring in Psychology and Sociology. He is the President of the psychology honors society that is Psi Chi at Stony Brook University. He is a research assistant in the Lab for Scalable Mental Health and is currently working within the Psychology Honors Program. He is also a teaching assistant on campus for upper division Psychology courses and a member of the Sigma Beta Honor Society as well as the Psychology Student Alliance. He has taken part in a
study abroad program located in the Northern Himalayas of India and has kept traveling since!
Outside of his studies, he is a Registered Behavior Technician as well as a Community Habilitation Specialist for children diagnosed with ASD, ADHD and other developmental/mental health disorders.
He spends his time meditating, cooking, listening to late-night bar jazz. After graduation, he aims to achieve a MA in counseling psychology and open his own private practice, working with adults, as a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC).
Elena Vacanti
Elena is a senior at Stony Brook University, majoring in Psychology (BA). She is a research assistant in the Social Competence & Treatment Lab (SCTL) and the Lab for Scalable Mental Health. She is also the Public Relations Officer for the Psychology Student Alliance, an intern with the Center for Prevention and Outreach, a member of Psi Chi, and an incoming transfer assistant on campus. She currently works as a counselor at Response Crisis Center. In her free time, she loves going to the beach, doing yoga, and singing. After graduation, Elena plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
Emily Dupuis
Emily is a rising senior double majoring in Psychology and Business Management. She is very involved in campus activities, including Psi Chi Honor Society, Sigma Beta Honor Society, and serving as Treasurer of the Stony Brook Finance Society. She recently earned a teaching certificate in ESL, and hopes to get an opportunity to teach English overseas for a year after graduating from Stony Brook (pandemic-permitting). Beyond that, she would like to put her Psychology degree to good use by pursuing a career teaching Psychology in high school. In her free time, some things she loves to do are watch films, hunt for strange items in thrift shops, and travel
Huma Babar
Huma is a senior on the premedical track pursuing a BS in Psychology. She is a research assistant for Dr. Moyer and Jackelyn Payne. Their lab focuses on psychosocial issues that surround cancer, medical decision making, and positive psychology. Huma is also a volunteer in the pediatric emergency department at her local hospital. In her free time she loves to read, watch her favorite TV shows and movies, and spend time with her friends. Some of Huma’s favorite movies include Fight Club, The Departed, and Pulp Fiction. After graduation, Huma hopes to go to medical school and become a physician. As a physician she is hoping to work with minorities and help them receive the treatment that they deserve.
Ingrid Abourjeili
Jack Yannucci
Jack Yannucci is a senior at Stony Brook University double majoring in Psychology and Sociology. He previously attended Suffolk County Community College, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree in Psychology with distinction. Jack is currently working with Stony Brook University’s Computer Science Department as a research assistant for Dr. Luhmann and Dr. Schwartz’s lab on identifying cognitive dissonance in Twitter posts.
Outside of his studies, Jack works as a Medical Receptionist for Stony Brook Medicine’s Advanced Specialty Care Outpatient unit, and as a Mental Health Counselor at The Way Back, a group home for the mentally ill. Jack’s clients are diagnosed with schizophrenia, he provides emotional support, writes daily progress notes for each client, provides assistance with chores and other tasks, administers medications, and conducts goal oriented service plans for his clients.
Outside of school and work, Jack enjoys playing and collecting video games, reading about politics and current affairs, learning new recipes to cook, and learning to play the piano. When there is nothing to do, he works for Instacart as a grocery delivery driver. After graduating from Stony Brook, he aims to earn his Psy.D and work in a hospital setting as a clinician, as well as teaching Psychology at a university as an adjunct professor.
Jean-luc Pierre
Jean-luc Pierre is a senior at Stony Brook University, majoring in Psychology (B.A.) with a concentration in biology and minoring in Studio Art. He is currently a teaching assistant for Dr. Leung and a research assistant for Dr. Powers. After graduation he plans to pursue a Ph. D. in clinical neuropsychology and later be a neuropsychologist that works closely with other Black LGBTQ+ people. In his free time, Jean-luc volunteers as a swim coach for a special needs swim team in the spring and summer. He also likes to read, draw, paint and watch tv/movies(current favorites are Bojack Horseman and Mr. Robot).
Jordan Gresham
Jordan is a senior undergraduate psychology student at Stony Brook University. He is also double-minoring in music and political science. Jordan has been a teaching assistant for social psychology for Dr. Lobel in the past, he is currently a teaching assistant for Professor Marrone’s sociology: medicine in society course, and he is also currently a research assistant in Dr. Mahaffey’s Mind-Body Clinical Research Lab. Jordan wishes to pursue a PhD in Psychology and become a professor. Aside from academics, Jordan has a passion for music, particularly piano and singing, and he is a member and secretary of the Stony Brook Vocalists, an on-campus performance group. He enjoys working out, hiking, and hanging out with friends in his free time.
Joy Lin
Joy is a junior at Stony Brook University double majoring in Psychology and Biochemistry. She currently takes shifts as a crisis counselor for the Response Crisis Center in Suffolk County and has helped with tutoring/monitoring below grade-level students that are part of the JCC program. Some of the activities that she enjoys in her free time include baking, listening to music, drawing, going on walks, and hanging out with friends. She wants to pursue a career that includes aspects of psychology and is currently interested in genetic counseling.
Kristina Pidvirny
Kristina is a senior, with a major in Psychology and minor in Philosophy. She is currently a research assistant at Dr. Mohanty’s Neuroscience of Emotion, Cognition & Psychopathology Lab at Stony Brook as well as a research assistant for a post-doc student at the Krasner Psychological Center. She is also a mental health intern at the SBU Center for Prevention and Outreach, part of the Stony Brook Psychology Honors Program, and a member of the Women’s Leadership Council. Kristina also interns for the psychology department at an Intermediate Care Facility, where she has gained experience working with individuals with various mental health and developmental disorders.
Outside of academics you can either find Kristina working at Starbucks or reading, going on runs, discovering new places to eat around campus, and sleeping. After graduating she plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and eventually wants to become a clinical psychologist.
Lidiya Deneke
Lidiya is a Senior at Stony Brook University, double majoring in Biology and Psychology (BS), with a minor in Health, Medicine and Society. She is also fulfilling her pre-med requirements with the goal of attending medical school and eventually working for MSF. She has interned in infant/toddler classrooms at Stony Brook Child Care Services and works as a teaching assistant in Chemistry and Biology Labs. She is a research assistant in Dr. Bernard’s Developmental Stress and Prevention Lab and a biomedical volunteer for American Red Cross. In her free time, she loves to be immersed in different cultures, whether it be learning new languages or trying new foods. She also enjoys listening to music, writing poetry, and spending time with family and friends.
Neerali Patel
Neerali Patel is a senior majoring in Psychology (B.S.). She is a volunteer at the Crisis Text Line center. She is a member of the psychology honor society or Psi Chi. Additionally, she is the co-captain of the Bollywood fusion team on campus, SBU Junoon. She plans to obtain a Masters in psychology and eventually become a Clinical Psychologist. She aspires to work with adolescents and children. In her spare time, Neerali enjoys reading, watching movies and going on hikes.
Reuben Philip
Reuben (Sandwich) is a rising senior Psychology B.S. major concentrating in Physics and Chemistry. He is currently in Dr. Zelinsky’s EyeCog lab working on eye tracking research for his Psychology Honors thesis. He also is a tutor for the Organization for Psychoeducational Tutoring and is currently tutoring a young boy with ADHD, helping him develop psychological and social skills through modelling and exercises.
Outside of his studies, he is the Treasurer for the Newman Catholic Club and leads a men’s Bible study. In his free time, he loves building with LEGO (no it’s not only for children), playing chess, and solving Rubik’s cubes. He also adores the art of punning (here’s one! I used to be a biology major but then I said “psych!”). He hopes to get his Ph.D. in clinical psychology and become a child psychologist.
Rhea Kapoor
Rhea is a junior majoring in Psychology (B.A.) with a concentration in Marketing. Additionally, she is involved in the Consumers’ Affiliative Processes (CAP) Lab under Dr. Peter Caprariello, performing her own research, as well as assisting with other’s projects. She is also an active member of Psi Chi, the psychology honors society at Stony Brook. She enjoys helping others, so apart from being a psychology mentor she is also an English Pal, where she is friends with students whose first language isn’t English with the aim that they become more comfortable using the language.
She aims to pursue her Master’s or Doctoral degree after working for a few years, and her future career interests include organizational psychology, where she hopes to improve the workplace environments and overall levels of happiness of employees. Apart from academics, she loves learning languages, playing badminton, hanging out with her friends, going to parties, reading, playing the piano, painting, and watching movies and tv shows.
Sarah Beckman
Sarah Beckman is a junior at Stony Brook University, double majoring in Political Science and Psychology (B.S.), with concentrations in Biology and Chemistry. She is a Healing Arts intern at the SBU Center for Prevention and Outreach, a course-based tutor at the ASTC, and spent Summer 2021 working as a Student Enrollment Assistant for the Undergraduate Colleges. In her free time, she loves to spend time with friends and family, listen to music, go to the beach, and collect crystals. After graduating, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work, and hopes to provide mental health support to those in need of it.
Zaria Harrell
Zaria is currently a senior at Stony Brook, majoring in Psychology (B.A.) with a concentration in philosophy. She transferred to Stony Brook in Spring of 2020 from Kean University where she majored in Psychology with an American Sign Language minor. While she is involved in multiple clubs on campus, most recently she began working within the Organizational Development and Human Resources department of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and is loving it. In her freetime — amongst other things — Zaria loves watching horror movies, crocheting, and reading.
One day she hopes to obtain her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and open her own practice.