past lab members

Megan is a Senior at UMass Amherst pursuing a bachelor’s of science in Psychology. An interest in social thought and equality brought Megan to the IRSJ lab to learn more about the subject and to learn how to spread this interest to the general public. She believes that this is a very important and relevant topic that needs to be discussed throughout society more candidly. Unsure of her future after undergrad, Megan is exploring other subjects within psychology as well. Outside of research, Megan’s favorite books include The Glass Castle, Wild, and, Water for Elephants. Megan also enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching shows like The Office and Outlander.

Yara Akkeh

Yara graduated from UMass Amherst with a dual degree in Psychology and Social Thought & Political Economy, and minors in Arabic and Afro-American studies. With her interest in social justice and equity for marginalized communities, Yara joined the IRSJ lab to learn about how intergroup relations can produce empathy, and reduce indifference between groups. She hopes to become a clinical social worker and lawyer in the future. Outside of research, Yara spent her time as a coxswain for the UMass men’s rowing team.

Chloe Andre

Chloe was a project manager for the Somneuro lab and recently graduated from Northeastern University where she studied Criminal Justice and Psychology. Now a graduate student at the University of Georgia, she is primarily interested in the processing and categorization of ambiguous faces and how they impact intergroup interactions. When not in the lab she can be found hiking, drinking iced coffee in the middle of winter, or petting other people's dogs.

https://psychology.uga.edu/directory/people/chloe-andre

Andrew Simonton

Andrew is a Junior at UMass Amherst, majoring in Psychology. What brought Andrew to the IRSJ lab was his desire to better understand intergroup and interpersonal relationships, partially in a cross-cultural setting. This desire was instilled in Andrew during his years as a missionary where he noticed that there were immense needs for better communication between different people groups in order for them to achieve reconciliation. Outside of research, Andrew enjoys relaxing at cafes while reading his current favorite book Beautiful Boy by David Sheff.

Suling Lam

Suling is a junior at UMass Amherst pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minoring in Chinese. She is passionate about diversifying and opening conversations related to the American-Minority experience and mental health. Under the IRSJ Lab, Suling takes special interest in understanding varying cross-cultural, interpersonal relationships in hopes to work in non-profit in her post-college career. When she is not working, she enjoys hanging out at cafes, volunteering as a barista at the Freedom Café, and planning cultural events in Delta Kappa Delta Sorority, Inc.

Mia Rogers

Mia is a sophomore at the UMass Amherst pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minoring in Afro-American Studies. What interested Mia in the IRSJ lab was to grow a greater understanding of intergroup relations and prejudice. She is passionate about creating dialogue about mental health within minority populations in the United States, specifically the growing Latinx and Caribbean immigrant population. Outside of research, she enjoys creating art pieces using watercolor, graphite pencils, and occasionally collage with old magazine pieces and spending time with friends and family.

Intergroup Relations and Social justice lab

past lab members

Graduate and Postdoctoral Researchers

UNDERGRADUATE AND POST BACCALAUREATE RESearchers

Megan Abbott

Yara Akkeh

Chloe Andre

Andrew Simonton

Suling Lam

Mia Rogers

Intergroup Relations and
Social justice lab