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!

Research Assistants

Vivianne Lee (she/her)

Vivian Lee headshot

Hometown: Denver, CO
Year: First-Year
Major: Cognitive Science/Undecided
Research Interests: Psychology, health, human-computer interaction
Outside Interests: KASA board member, an aspiring dancer, cat lover

Meena Sundrum (she/her)

Meena Sundrum headshot

Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Attachment theory, generational trauma, identity formation
Outside Interests: I'm part of the exec team for South Asian Student Association and Strong Women Strong Girls. Outside of school I'm usually crafting with friends, baking, or perusing in the library for my next read!

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

Max Labovitz (he/him)

Max Labovitz headshot

Hometown: Rye, NY
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and Mechanical Engineering (dual degree)
Research Interests: Social and community support
Outside Interests: PRISM, Dungeons and Dragons, Knitting

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.

Melos Bekaj (he/him)

Melos Bekaj headshot

Hometown: Yonkers, NY
Year: Senior
Major/Minor: Neuroscience
Research Interests: Cognitive and social psychology, neuroscience, physiology
Outside Interests: Going to the gym, reading, MMA, soccer, movies, music, talking long walks on the beach