REU Spotlight

Simona Arkorful, Howard University 

Simona Arkorful is a senior undergraduate student at Howard University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology. She collaborates closely with her research mentor to explore how racial stress may contribute to health inequities in African American communities. Simona is passionate about applying psychological theories to research and designing products that enhance well-being and health outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities. As a REU Fellow, she will be working under Dr. Delgado and his lab team.

Daniela Djeukeng, Virginia Commonwealth University

Hi everyone! My name is Daniela Djeukeng, and I’m originally from Louisville, Kentucky. I currently attend Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, as a junior majoring in Psychology. Upon graduation, I hope to either enter a post-baccalaureate, full-time research program in preparation for graduate school or immediately pursue a PhD program in Clinical Psychology.

Victor Flores, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Hi all, my name is Victor Flores, and I am an undergrad Psychology major with a minor in neuroscience. I am from Ramapo College of New Jersey, but I am residing in Passaic County. In my work, I aim to better understand the mental processes behind cognitive processes such as memory, associative learning, and how the processing of information works in accordance with overt behavior. I am also interested in the role of emotion during acquisition in associative learning. In my free time I enjoy playing sports (primarily soccer and volleyball), hanging out with my friends, playing chess, weightlifting, practicing guitar, and engaging in inventive conservations.

Anais Geronimo Jimenez, Hamilton College

Hi, my name is Anais Geronimo Jimenez! I am an undergraduate at Hamilton College, majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology and art. After graduation, I am interested in going to a PhD or master’s program that focuses on both social and developmental psychology. When it comes to research, I am primarily interested in understanding moral reasoning and its impact on people’s understanding of their social world and the role they play within it.

Karina Hossain, Millersville University

My name is Karina Hossain, and I am a junior psychology major at Millersville University. I originally grew up in Bushkill Pennsylvania, which is a quiet area surrounded by beautiful nature. I am very interested in learning about the brain and doing neuroscience-related research in the future. After my initial school is complete, I hope to become a clinical psychologist and focus on therapeutic approaches to help those with mental health issues.

Savitrie Lekhai, Kean University 

Greetings,

I am Savitrie, but I prefer to be addressed as Savvy. I am a multifaceted individual with a diverse skill set and a wide range of interests. I enjoy participating in outdoor activities, conducting food critiques, and engaging in photography as a leisure pursuit.

My academic background includes a major in Forensic Psychology, having transferred from Essex County College with an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology. My motivation for choosing this field stems from my profound interest in understanding the underlying factors that influence individuals to engage in deviant behaviors.

As a first-generation college student, I possess a grounded and practical approach to life. I am eager to contribute my expertise and collaborate with others in a professional setting.

Best,

Savitrie Lekhai (Savvy)

Grace Pearce, Smith College

My name is Grace Pearce, and I am from Jacksonville, Florida. I am a psychology major at Smith College in Massachusetts. I plan to be a psychology professor and researcher, as well as an author. I am interested in social and behavioral Psychology, and I am incredibly excited to be a part of this fellowship with Rutgers University!

Elizabeth Droubi, Gallaudet University

My name is Elizabeth Droubi. I am an undergraduate in Psychology at Gallaudet University. My academic and career interest lie in research, particularly in cognitive neuroscience. I enjoy long walks in cities, public transit, and reading.

Crow Santiago, Smith College

Hello! My name is Crow and I am a junior at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts studying psychology and Spanish. My passion lies in clinical and social psychology, especially regarding personality disorders, neurodiversity, and the lived experiences of minoritized individuals. After graduation, I plan to work towards a PhD in clinical psychology and work as a researcher or a practicing psychologist. Currently I am a research assistant for the Risk and Resilience Lab at Smith College and Loyola University Chicago working on a project about school culture and discipline in the midwest. During this fellowship, I will be working with Dr. Mauricio Delgado in the Delgado Lab, and I’m very excited to learn more about psychology at Rutgers!

Jada Waddell, Rider University

Jada Waddell is a junior at Rider University, majoring in psychology. Coming from central New Jersey, Jada is passionate about advancing research on autism in adults, with a particular focus on understanding how it shows across various cultures. After graduation, they aim to contribute to this field and expand the knowledge and support available to diverse populations.