Carnegie Mellon University

Our Team

Lab Director

Michael A. Trujillo, Ph.D. (all pronouns)

Michael Trujillo headshotDr. Michael Trujillo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University.

Their research examines the social and health consequences of stigma, the pathways that link stigma and health, and the strengths exhibited by stigmatized populations that mitigate these experiences.

They apply an intersectional framework to their research questions to move towards greater health equity for all.

They received their Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University, and their B.A. from California State University, Long Beach.

Read a faculty spotlight about Michael

Lab Manager

Will Crouch, B.S. (he/him)

Will CrouchWill Crouch is our lab manager and a proud alumni of Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Psychology (c/o 2019).

Will is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the lab and oversees a team of undergraduate research assistants. Outside of administrative duties, Will's research interests focus on the social support dynamics of BIPOC communities living with chronic illnesses, most notably diabetes and heart disease. Ancillary interests include public health policy and the history of political activism in the security of universal healthcare.

Beyond the lab, Will is an avid sports fan, video game expert, and professional napper. He enjoys spending the weekends catching up on sleep, brunching with friends, and exploring Pittsburgh's diverse neighborhoods for the best bars and restaurants in town!

Graduate Students

Kaylee Foor, B.S. (she/her)

Kaylee Foor headshotDr. Michael Trujillo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University.

Kaylee received her B.S. in Psychology from Penn State University, and is currently a first-year graduate student at CMU pursuing her Ph.D. in Social/Health Psychology.

Her research explores social drivers of health and well-being sexual and gender minorities. Through her work, she aims to clarify the utility of social messaging and systemic inequity on LGBTQ+ lives, so as to eradicate disparities and promote queer joy.

Outside of the classroom, Kaylee spends her time reading, going for walks, and talking to her two cats, Orzo and Eloise.

Emiliano Irena Hernandez, M.A. (he/him)

Emiliano Irena HernandezEmiliano received his B.A. in International Relations from Universidad de las Américas - Mexico City and his M.A.'s in International Relations (University of Bath, UK) and Public Policy (Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales), and is currently a first-year graduate student at CMU pursuing his Ph.D. in Social/Health Psychology.

His research focuses on mechanisms of stigma, prejudice, and discrimination might influence social behavior, decision-making, problem-solving, and intergroup relations.

Outside of the classroom, Emiliano spends time playing with his dog, enjoying pilates and indoor cycling, and binge watching the latest hit Netflix series.

Research Assistants

spring 2024 lab team
Spring 2024 Lab Members

Yiyao Wang (he/him)

Yiyao Wang headshot

Hometown: Shandong, China
Year: Sophomore
Major: Information System/Psychology (Minor: HCI)
Research Interests: Social psychology, HCI, UX/UI
Outside Interests: Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Association, Undergraduate Student Senate, 67-250 TA, IS Ambassador

Kaylee Hong (she/her)

Kaylee Hong headshot

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Year: Sophomore
Major: Psychology (Minor: BME)
Research Interests: Clinical/social psychology, discrimination in healthcare and medicine
Outside Interests: Badminton Team, Global Medical Brigades, dance, PC games, journaling

Zane Kelley (he/him)

Zane Kelley headshot

Hometown: Beaver, PA
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Chronic stress, health, social support, and relationships
Outside Interests: Music and cooking

Jacob Elkins (he/him)

Jacob Elkins headshot

Hometown: Baltimore County, MD
Year: Sophomore
Major: Neuroscience (Minor: Chemistry)
Research Interests: Neuroscience, social psychology, cognitive psychology
Outside Interests: Soccer, skiing, golf, AEPi member

Tasnim Rida (she/her)

Tasnim Rida headshot

Hometown: New York City, NY
Year: Junior
Major: Statistics (Minor: Media Design)
Research Interests: Social psychology, health psychology, women's health
Outside Interests: Trying new restaurants, going to museums

Silas Wang (he/him)

Silas Wang headshot

Hometown: Morgantown, WV
Year: Junior
Major: Statistics (Minor: Chemistry)
Research Interests: Health, social psychology
Outside Interests: Leadership, fellowship, community service

Camille Chandler (she/her)

Camille Chandler headshot

Hometown: Howell, MI
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology and Decision Science
Research Interests: Academic outcomes of BIPOC students, diversity ideologies, psychometrics
Outside Interests: Dancers’ Symposium, Infra Dance Company, Soulstylz Dance Crew, and Lunar Gala Dance.

Lab Alumni

  • Vivianne Lee (S24)
  • Meena Sundrum (S24)
  • Max Labovitz (F23, S24)
  • Melos Bekaj (F23, S24)