Principle Investigator
Brenda C. Straka
Dr. Brenda Straka is a social and developmental psychologist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and director of the MOSAIC Lab. She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Social Psychology from Duke University and her B.A. in Psychology and Cognitive Science with a minor in English from the University of Virginia. She was a research fellow in the Vice Chancellor’s Distinguished Postdoctoral DRIVE Program and is currently an Assistant Professor at UIUC. CV
Her research focuses broadly on the ways people navigate exclusion and discrimination and also construct social identities across multiple group memberships. Her work aims to bring attention to identity-based exclusion experiences while simultaneously pushing for inclusivity and representation in social science research. Much of her research interests and path have been shaped by her experiences as a Multiracial Latina woman.
Outside of research, she also loves reading and running with her dog Luna.
Graduate Students
Sarah Adesuwa Oluwadamilola Osaro
Sarah is a first-year Ph.D. student in Social Psychology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She earned her M.A. in Educational Measurement & Statistics and her B.S. in Psychology, with a certificate in Resilience and Trauma-Informed Perspectives, from the University of Iowa.
She is interested in how individuals construct, experience, and navigate their social identities, with a focus on intersectionality and the ways intersecting identities shape experiences of stereotyping, prejudice, and belonging. She is also interested in how belief systems and phenotypic traits (e.g., skin tone, hair texture, and facial features) influence perception both within and across social identity groups. Additionally, she is interested in how social context influences who is included or excluded, and how identity is interpreted or challenged in different environments.
Outside of academia, Sarah enjoys playing board games, traveling, playing volleyball, taking naps, and spending time near large bodies of water.
Lab Manager
Teresa Huang
Hi, my name is Teresa and I earned my B.S. in Psychology and Gender and Women’s Studies from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. My research interest focuses on the discriminatory experiences of queers of color and how their intersecting identities shape how they navigate such discrimination. Outside of lab, I enjoy traveling, dancing, and listening to music.
Research Assistants
Mia Couri
Hello! My name is Mia Couri, and I am a sophomore majoring in Intradisciplinary Psychology with a minor in Creative Writing. In the field of psychology, I am interested in studying individual & social behavior, mental illness, and personality psychology.
Outside of the MOSAIC Lab, I am the Volunteer Chair of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) On Campus branch and a member of The Fashion Network and the Outdoor Adventure Club. I also love studying fashion and fashion history, reading, writing, listening to music, and hanging out with friends!
Jasmin Zepeda
Hi! My name is Jasmin Zepeda, and I’m a Junior majoring in Psychology with an interest in the Social Psychology concentration. My academic interests are centered in intersectionality, and how multiple intersecting identities shape minorities’ experiences in our broader society, as well as how intersecting identities are represented in film media.
Outside of the MOSAIC Lab, I enjoy spending my time going to the movie theater, listening to music, and going on nature walks.
Johnny Velasquez
Outside of the MOSAIC Lab I am a member of Phi Kappa Psi, Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, ALPFA (Association of Latinos Professionals for America), and Camp Kessem. I also work at Beckwith as a Personal Care assistant and do volunteer work at a nearby clinic!
Hello, my name is Johnny Velasquez and I am a junior studying psychology with a concentration in clinical psychology with a minor in Spanish. My academic interests are pre-medicine in hopes to go to medical school and be a psychiatrist!
NyJae Ford
Hi! My name is NyJae Ford, and I’m a senior majoring in Intradisciplinary Psychology. I’m especially interested in social psychology, particularly how concepts like stereotype threat and pluralistic ignorance shape minority experiences and contribute to disparities in education, work, and daily life.
Outside of the MOSAIC Lab, I serve as a FYCARE Peer Educator at the Women’s Resources Center and an Inclusion & Leadership Mentor with University Housing.Beyond academics, I enjoy crocheting, reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends.
Bryana Perez
Hi! My name is Bryana Perez. I am a senior, double majoring in Clinical/Community Psychology and Spanish with minors in Adult Development and Social work. I hope to attend graduate school and obtain a PhD in clinical psychology! My specific interests in psychology are mental health disorders, interpersonal relationships, and identity formation.
Outside the MOSAIC lab, I am involved in Illini Service Dogs, where we train dogs from puppies to adulthood, and place them to individuals with disabilities at no cost. I am also a research assistant for the Health, Equity, and Action (HEAL) Lab at UIUC, a Senior Arts & Entertainment writer for The Daily Illini, and a Family Services Intern at the New American Welcome Center! Beyond academics, I love to read, bake, and spend time with friends!
Volunteers
Sophia Chen
Hello! I’m Sophia Chen, a senior at University Laboratory High School who aims to study social psychology in undergrad and beyond. My research interests primarily lie in multicultural, multiethnic, and intersectional identities, which I’m excited to continue exploring in my second year in the MOSAIC Lab! In my free time, I enjoy reading Wikipedia and playing the piano.
Lab Alumni
Mingjia (Sherlock) Liu
I’m excited to share that after graduating from the Master of Science in Psychological Science program at UIUC, I will be joining the PhD program in Personality and Social Context Psychology at the University of Michigan! The past two years in the MOSAIC Lab have been an incredible blessing. As both Dr. Brenda Straka’s first graduate student and the lab manager, I’ve grown so much in leadership, collaboration, and research skills.
One of my favorite parts of being in the MOSAIC Lab was attending and presenting at the Midwestern Psychological Association annual conference—seeing my lab friends present their work with confidence after a year of dedication made me incredibly proud.
Although it’s hard to say goodbye to a lab where I’ve truly felt a sense of belonging, I have no doubt that the MOSAIC Lab will continue to grow and thrive. I will be forever grateful to my wonderful mentor, Dr. Brenda Straka, for being the most supportive and patient advisor, and to my amazing lab mates for making the lab such a warm and inspiring place.
Isabela Castilla
After graduation, I am thrilled to be continuing my academic journey at The Ohio State University, where I will pursue a PhD in Social Psychology (Go Buckeyes!). This next step wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable experience I gained as a member of the MOSAIC Lab. I’ve had the unique opportunity to be part of the lab since its inception, and what began as an exciting new opportunity quickly became a cornerstone of my academic and professional growth.
One of my proudest accomplishments in the lab has been completing my Bachelor’s Thesis. From steep learning curves to long hours of work, the process taught me so much about research, resilience, and collaboration. I’m especially proud that the study I designed was in collaboration with a local church and served this community partner in a meaningful way.
While I’m sad to be leaving the lab, I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship, friendships, and experiences that have shaped my time here. I’ll always be cheering on the MOSAIC lab and can’t wait to see all that’s ahead for the lab!
Heaven Velez
After graduation, I’ll be completing my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago! Being a part of the MOSAIC Lab has taught me a tremendous amount about the research process from coding and data analysis to writing an IRB and conducting my own study. I’ve grown so much as both a researcher and a student during my time here. One of the things I’m most proud of is completing my thesis. It was a challenging and rewarding experience, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of this amazing lab.
My favorite part of being in the lab has definitely been getting to collaborate with such kind, thoughtful, and driven people. The community in this lab is something I’ve cherished during my undergraduate career. Lastly, thank you so much to Sherlock Liu for being a wonderful lab manager, Alexis Morales for her constant support and mentorship, and Dr. Brenda Straka for her kindness, knowledge, and guidance as the PI!
Lilian Murdie
After graduation, I intend on staying on campus and taking a gap year. During this time, I will work at the hospital and apply to medical schools. In the future, I hope to work as a provider in neonatal neurology. I want to care for not only my baby patients, but support the parents as if they’re my own patients as well. I hope to bridge the gap between mental health and physical health in my future career as a physician.
Though MOSAIC Lab did not directly help me with my interests in medicine, the dedication and leadership required to pursue everything I’ve done thus far with the lab is more valuable than any other lab can offer. I’m so proud to admit I have written a bachelor’s thesis with MOSAIC Lab, and I would like to thank my PI, Dr. Brenda Straka, for her unwavering support, Sherlock, for being the kindest and most patient graduate mentor, and my labmates for always having my back <3
Abir Sun
Hi there! My name is Abir Sun and I am a junior studying Clinical-Community Psychology with hopes to eventually obtain a PhD in clinical psychology and become a therapist. In the field of psychology, I am quite interested in mental health and the overall well-being of people, as well as topics such as social groups, self-identity, relationships, racism/prejudice, and developmental psychology.
Aside from academics, I love to lift weights, play sports and video games, travel, and spend time outdoors and with friends! This is my first semester working in the MOSAIC Lab and I can’t wait to see what I will learn and experience.
Luyang Si
Hi. My name is Luyang Si. I just got my Bachelor of Science degree in Information Sciences + Data Science from University of Illinois and currently working as a full-time RA at MOSAIC Lab. I am still exploring my research interests and plan to apply for PhD programs in the upcoming year. Currently my research interests shed light on exploring how career identity influences our way of thinking and decision making. I am particularly interested in exploring this track on the identity of athletes.
Beyond academia, I am also a powerlifting athlete in USA Powerlifting(USAPL). I am very looking forward to diving deeper into identity study at MOSAIC Lab!
Isabella Del Rocio Uriarte
Hi everyone! My name is Isabella Del Rocio Uriarte and I’m a senior majoring in Psychology (with a concentration in Clinical-Community) and minoring in Latino/a Studies. I’ve always unknowingly had an interest in this field but it wasn’t until one of my high school friends told me I would make a great therapist when I decided that I wanted to major in Psychology. Some topics of interest of mine include nature vs. nurture, attachment styles, relationships, and the development of children’s personalities. After undergrad, I want to go into graduate school in hopes of obtaining my Phd in Clinical Psychology.
Outside of school, I’m also part of the cultural sorority Pi Lambda Chi Latina Sorority, Inc where I currently serve as Recruitment Chair. Some of my hobbies include napping, painting (or any artsy project), traveling, & hanging out with friends!
Miranda Santucci
Hi, I’m Miranda Santucci! I’m a senior majoring in Clinical-Community Psychology with a double minor in Criminology and Social Work. Some of my top interests include psychopathology/mental health, social groups and identity, discrimination and belonging, and criminality in the context of mental illness. After undergrad, I plan to go to graduate school to obtain my doctorate in Forensic Psychology.
Outside of MOSAIC, I am involved in a variety of music ensembles at UIUC, such as Marching Illini, Philharmonia Orchestra, Hindsley Symphonic Band, Men’s Basketball Band, Trombone Studio Choir, and Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity, where I serve as Secretary, Music Chair, and Performance Chair. I also love to play piano!
Lauren Casey
Hi, my name is Lauren Casey! I am a senior majoring in Developmental Psychology and minoring in Criminology, Law, & Society. I am also currently working toward a certificate in Forensic Science. During my time in undergrad, I am keeping busy exploring my various interests in identity formation, group behavior, ethics and morality, forensic osteology, and criminology. In the upcoming years, I hope to attend graduate school and involve myself more in the world of psychological research.
Outside of the MOSAIC Lab, I enjoy reading, caring for my plants, playing video games, listening to music, and spending time with my cat Pippa. I am also a part of the sorority Alpha Gamma Delta and the Order of Omega organization.