Lab Manager
Brynn Peterson
Hello! My name is Brynn (Brett) Peterson (they/them). I am the Lab Manager for the HEAL Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, helping Dr. Violeta Rodriguez to coordinate and implement projects related parenting and mental health in minority communities. I received a BA in Philosophy from Baylor University and then a MA in Psychology and from the University of Chicago where I worked as a graduate researcher with the Oishi Well-Being and Booth Culture Labs. I also previously worked as an international educator in South Korea for three years.
My research interests focus broadly on minority stress and, more specifically, on developing equity-oriented mental health interventions for identity-related trauma among sexual and gender minority populations. I have also examined how community-level racial diversity and cultural engagement affect subjective well-being, purpose, and mental health.
Outside of school and work, I enjoy practicing yoga, watching cooking shows, and reading travel memoirs. If you have any questions, reach out to me at bnp@illinois.edu!
Research Associate
Huixin Deng
Hello! My name is Huixin Deng (she/her). I received my BA in Psychology from Lafayette College in 2023 and MA in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2025. During my Master’s study, I developed a deep interest in youth development, family functioning, and health research.
My research interests centered around promoting positive development among youth through self-regulatory strategies and positive parenting. I am also interested in implementing contextually validated interventions to at-risk youth and their families. I hope to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology specialized in minority youth health.
In my free time, I enjoy painting, exploring museums, and spending time with friends. If you have any questions, reach out to me at hd37@illinois.edu!
Reach Out
My current email is vjrodrig@illinois.edu. If you do reach out about joining my lab, please include your CV.
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