Our people

Meet the lab family.

The CREAR Lab is a community of researchers, students, and collaborators committed to studying what helps youth and families thrive. Get to know the people behind the work.

Director of the CREAR Lab

Andrea S. Medrano, Ph.D.

Director / Directora del Laboratorio CREAR

Dr. Medrano is a developmental psychologist committed to examining how youth and women exposed to violence make sense of, survive, and resist trauma in their daily lives. She is the Director of the CREAR Lab and Assistant Professor in the Developmental Psychology Program at the University of Pittsburgh, with an affiliation in Clinical Psychology. Her research focuses on poly-victimization, gender-based violence, and structural inequalities, emphasizing resilience processes such as familismo, hope, religiosity, and educational persistence. She leads international, community-engaged studies across Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and the U.S. using mixed methods to ensure that voices and data inform the lab's work.

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Lab Staff

Sofia Adame

Project Coordinator

Sofia Adame is a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Psychology and Anthropology, a minor in Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies, and a Global Studies certificate. A Mexican immigrant with international research experience, she led Latinx Student Association and Global Brigades outreach. She is committed to policy and education that reduce femicides and gender-based violence across Latin America.

Grace Elena Dupree

Administrative Assistant

Fourth-year BSN student pursuing honors and a minor in Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies; multilingual (English, Spanish, Mandarin, French). Aspires to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner supporting underserved communities.

Ángel Oros

Digital Manager

Ángel Oros is originally from Nogales, Sonora, and joined CREAR in July 2025 to rebuild the lab's website from the ground up. As Digital Manager, he oversees the website, an internal research management system, and lab operations support. He recently completed a BBA in Business Administration and is committed to building digital infrastructure that keeps the focus on the people and communities CREAR serves.

Geraldine Cisneros

Graduate Student Researcher

Geraldine is a second-year Developmental Psychology Ph.D. student at the University of Pittsburgh and a recipient of both the K. Leroy Irvis Fellowship and the LRDC Director’s Fellowship. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Harvard College with a focus on Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology and a minor in Social Anthropology, and previously conducted neuropsychological research on Alzheimer’s and dementia at UPMC under Dr. Annie Cohen. Her research examines how sociocultural contexts shape youth and family experiences with psychopathology, with the goal of developing accessible, culturally relevant mental health interventions through a public health lens.

Sydni Davila

Graduate Student Researcher

Sydni's research centers on how adverse childhood experiences confer risk for interpersonal difficulties, psychopathology, and impaired brain development. She earned a B.A. in Psychology (minor Neuroscience) and a B.S. in Health Sciences from Cleveland State University and aims to become a Clinical or Developmental Psychologist serving underrepresented populations.

Courtney Medina

Graduate Student Researcher

Courtney is a third-year Developmental Psychology Ph.D. student at the University of Pittsburgh and a K. Leroy Irvis Fellow mentored by Dr. Sophie Choukas-Bradley. She earned her B.A. with highest honors in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Latinx Studies, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2021. Before graduate school, she coordinated research in UNC's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. Courtney's work examines sociocultural influences on adolescents' romantic and sexual experiences and their implications for mental health, particularly among youth of color and queer youth. She aims to inform dating and sexual violence prevention through interdisciplinary, youth-centered approaches.

Patrick Quintero

Graduate Student Researcher

Patrick is a first-year doctoral student in the Clinical–Developmental Psychology PhD program at the University of Pittsburgh. His research examines how trauma shapes development in Latino/a communities, focusing on risk, resilience, and outcomes related to mental health, academics, and social functioning. He is also committed to advancing mental health equity through strengths-based, culturally responsive approaches.

Zhiyu Cheng

Post Baccalaureate Researcher

I am a current Junior majoring in psychology. My research interests focus on developmental psychology, community mental health, and cultural influences on health outcomes. I joined the CREAR Lab to build her research skills and contribute to community-based projects that support youth resilience. Outside academics, I enjoy playing badminton and working out.

Yadira Estrada

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

Yadira (HMB Fellow 2024–2025) earned an M.S.W. in Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health & Substance Abuse and a B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition & Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. Former Lab Manager of the CASA Lab (UM). She studies how adverse childhood experiences shape brain/behavioral development and how policy, community, and family intersect in youth well-being.

Dollar Ganu

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

Dollar received her Master in Marriage & Family Therapy at the University of Oregon. She is curious about how identities intersect with daily life, with prior work on belonging in classroom/social settings and on pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to depression and epilepsy.

Mia Hernandez

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

Mia is a first-year MSPH student at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health studying Social and Behavioral Interventions and Maternal and Child Health. Her work focuses on mental health policy and women's sexual and reproductive health, particularly how structural factors shape access to care in Latin America.

Kaitlyn Irizarry-Vega

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

Kaitlyn Irizarry-Vega earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, with a minor in Philosophy of Mind and Language. Her research interests include understanding how resilience can be cultivated to promote wellbeing and motivation, particularly in underserved communities. She is especially interested in how these processes translate into a workplace setting. Kaitlyn plans to pursue a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and outside of academia, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, distance running, and watching comfort TV.

Zainab Kabir

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

Zainab Kabir is a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Her research interests include trauma, mental health, and social behavior, with a focus on how cultural and community factors influence psychological well-being. Through her work in the CREAR Lab, she examined the relationship between community violence exposure and mental health outcomes in rural Mexican communities. Zainab plans to pursue a Master's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology to study workplace behavior and promote employee well-being within organizations.

Amelia F Leonard

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

Amelia Leonard graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Philosophy in Psychology and a minor in Economics. She joined the CREAR Lab at its inception and currently works remotely with the lab as a research assistant, after previously serving as the lab’s Administrative Research Assistant, where she coordinated undergraduate researchers and supported lab operations. Her research interests focus on gender based violence, sexual harassment, and the ways these experiences shape psychological well being and mental health outcomes, with particular interest in how social, cultural, and gender related dynamics contribute to disparities in mental health.

Ashley Lopez

Post-Baccalaureate Research Collaborators

Ashley Lopez holds a B.A. in Psychology (Honors) and an M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from NYU, with minors in Social Work and Child & Adolescent Mental Health Studies. Former Project Coordinator at NYU's West Interpersonal Perception Lab, she studies how social support shapes academic and workplace outcomes for minoritized communities and plans to pursue a Ph.D.

Angela Martinez

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

Angela holds a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology from UTRGV. She is interested in health and neuropsychology research and clinical work, and enjoys piano, reading, and cat videos.

Anthony Medina

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

Anthony Medina is a graduate of Mercy University, where he earned his Master of Science in General Psychology. He is also a graduate of Fordham University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He currently serves as a Postgraduate Research Associate under the mentorship of Dr. Carla Stover within the Yale Child Study Center. Anthony is interested in examining the factors that contribute to trauma among at-risk Latiné youth. In particular, he is interested in investigating protective factors (e.g., parent-child relationships, mentorship, and familismo) that may act as a pathway to resilience. He is also interested in adapting and developing interventions for Latiné families that draw upon cultural strengths to promote resilience in the face of adversity. In his free time, Anthony enjoys traveling to New York City, listening to music, trying new restaurants, and spending time with his family.

Isabella Pina

Post Baccalaureate Researcher

Senior nursing student also pursuing Psychology; experience in TBI rehab. Interested in supporting underserved adolescents at the intersection of care and mental health.

Fabiola Wah

Post Baccalaureate Researcher

Senior majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Neuroscience; born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. Volunteers as an interpreter and plans to attend medical school.

Kmaura White

Post Baccalaureate Researcher

Kmaura (she/they) is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience and certificates in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine and Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies. Aims for a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology to support higher-acuity mental health needs.

Cinthya Garcia Cortes

Student Research Assistant

Cinthya Garcia Cortes is a sophomore student at the University of Pittsburgh. She was born and raised in the southern region of Mexico, and moved to Pittsburgh, PA 8 years ago. Cinthya intends to pursue a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology. She is interested in psychopathology and its relation to neuroscience as well as social development and its intersection with sociocultural components. She has been involved with Pittsburgh's Latino Community Center through volunteering work and participation in its student organizations since high school. It is due to her personal interests and experiences that she is looking forward to working in this project.

Himani Kharod

Student Research Assistant

Freshman majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. Plans to specialize in psychiatry and clinical psychology. Interested in healthcare and interdisciplinary research.

Hannah Kravets

Student Research Assistant

Hannah Kravets is a second-year, undergraduate, Psychology and Film and Media Studies student at the University of Pittsburgh. She has extensive research experience and a strong academic interest in clinical and neuropsychology. Hannah serves as an executive board member for multiple psychology, neuroscience, and research-focused organizations at Pitt and currently works as an undergraduate teaching assistant for the university's First Approaches to Research course. In addition to this role, she has served as a teaching assistant for several psychology-related courses and co-created and implemented an original course within the University of Pittsburgh's London Film Program. This course integrates research and principles drawn from the work of prominent educational psychologist Dr. John Dewey. Hannah has also co-authored peer-reviewed publications indexed on PubMed and is actively engaged in ongoing research and co-authoring new publications. She plans to attend graduate school with long-term goals of teaching psychology at the university level and working professionally in the field.

Fabiana Lleras

Student Research Assistant

Fabiana Lleras is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in psychology with a minor in linguistics. She is also an undergraduate research assistant for the CREAR Lab. Born and raised in Puerto Rico till she came to Pitt 3 years ago. Along with academics, she is also a member of the Med Life club on campus and the applied developmental psychology club. Besides academics, she enjoys concerts, hanging out with friends, reading, and going to the beach. Being a part of this Lab correlates with her plans to further her education in developmental psychology.

Audrey Maize

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Audrey is a Pitt undergraduate student studying Political Science, with a concentration in conflict resolution. Her research background focuses specifically on rebel groups in Latin America and the Middle East.

Janeyra Maldonado

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Janeyra Maldonado is a first-year student at the University of Pittsburgh double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology on the pre‑med track. Raised in Westchester, New York, she is interested in the intersection of psychological processes and neuroscience in the development of adolescents. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about serving underserved communities, particularly Hispanic communities, and improving access to healthcare. She volunteers at UPMC Presbyterian and local animal shelters, is on the Pitt Club Powerlifting team, enjoys crocheting, baking, and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops with friends.

Nikita Sundaram

Student Research Assistant

Junior (Class of 2027) majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Plans to conduct research and work as a clinical psychologist.

Campbell Toler

Student Research Assistant

Campbell Toler is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, pursuing a Psychology major with a minor in Spanish. She currently volunteers as a research assistant in the Community Research Exploring Adolescent Resilience (CREAR) Lab and the Behavioral Medicine Research Group, both at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, she serves as a PantherWELL peer health educator in the Office of Student Health Services. After completing her undergraduate degree, Campbell plans to apply to Clinical Psychology PhD programs with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical psychologist. She is passionate about contributing to meaningful research that advances the field of psychology.

Mayra Karina Delgado Aguilera

Research Assistant — Universidad Michoacana

Born in Uruapan (1994). Fifth-semester Psychology student (UMSNH). Interested in active collaboration and empirical learning; aims to continue academic development in research.

Alitzel Donají Cruz Ángeles

Research Assistant — Universidad Michoacana

Fourth-semester psychology student (UMSNH, Uruapan). Curious about cultures and research; enjoys volleyball, math, writing, reading, and art. Excited about this opportunity.

Paulina Michell González Herrera

Research Assistant — Universidad Michoacana

Psychology student (UMSNH, Uruapan). Wants to put theory into practice, understand risk/protective factors and daily contexts, and provide tools to those who need them.

Unnati Khanna

International Research Assistant

Post-bacc researcher from India. B.A. in Psychology (University of Delhi, 2023). Interested in child development and family health; aims to pursue a master's in developmental psychology and study supportive parenting in Indian contexts.

Citlali Aguilar Mora

Research Assistant — Universidad Michoacana

Psychology student in Uruapan, Michoacán. Interested in neuropsychology and educational psychology; enjoys drawing and baking.

María de los Ángeles Morales Olivera

Research Assistant — Universidad Michoacana

From Uruapan, Michoacán. Overcame personal challenges; now thriving as a Psychology student (with a technical background in puericulture) at the Uruapan campus.

Karyme Joanna Bello Sereno

Research Assistant — Universidad Michoacana

From Uruapan (b. 2004). Fourth-semester Psychology student (UMSNH). Hopes to apply prior knowledge effectively and grow through hands-on research experience.

Diana Paola Toral Torres

Research Assistant — Universidad Michoacana

Mexican student from Uruapan, Michoacán. Fourth-semester student in the Faculty of Psychology (UMSNH, Unidad Profesional de Uruapan).

Erika Álvarez Álvarez

Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo — Proyecto VENCER Collaborator

Psychologist focused on research and teaching, particularly statistical analysis and instrument design. Advocates inclusive, gender-informed education and explores how AI can enrich teaching while preserving critical thinking.

Lara Bohórquez

Research Coordinator, Centro de Derecho de Mujeres — HAVE HOPE Collaborator

Historian and social anthropologist (UNAH, Honduras), researcher and social activist, part of the Feminist Research Unit of the Center for Women's Rights (CDM).

Francheska Alers-Rojas, Ph.D.

University of Texas at Austin — Proyecto VENCER Collaborator

Examines factors that help adolescents—especially from minoritized backgrounds—thrive. Uses resilience and strengths-based approaches (daily diary, interviews, secondary data) to study contextual risks (discrimination, community violence, family stress) and incorporates biological markers (e.g., cortisol) and physiology (e.g., sleep). Also studies Black and Latina women's experiences with infertility.

Gabriella Alvarez, Ph.D.

University of Pittsburgh — MAPI Study Collaborator

Studies how social inequality (e.g., racism, poverty) shapes brain activity and immune function with consequences for mental and physical health, and how physiological states (e.g., inflammation) feed back to affect social perception—informing interventions that promote health equity.

Irmarie Cruz López, Ph.D.

University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez — STAR*PR*Pitt Collaborator

Studies the impact of traumatic and adverse experiences on children's and adolescents' functioning and develops trauma-informed school programs and multi-tiered systems of support.

Former Research Assistants

Stephany Andrade - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Summer 2024).

Alexa Carreon - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Fall 2023).

Sophia Chen - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Summer 2024–Summer 2025).

Grace Geoffroy - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Fall 2023–Spring 2024).

Natalia Hardy - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Fall 2023–Spring 2024) • Post-Lab: Research Associate, 15104 Seniors Project.

María Hernández-Casanenda - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Fall 2023–Summer 2024) • Post-Lab: Student, University of Pittsburgh; SITI Girl Pittsburgh.

Jordan Hudson - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Fall 2023–Spring 2024).

Brian Kim - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Summer 2024–Summer 2025) • Post-baccalaureate position: Financial Professional, Northwestern Mutual.

Erin Lancaster - HMB Post-Baccalaureate Fellow in Psychology, University of Pittsburgh (2025-2026).

Maeve López - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Summer 2025–Fall 2025).

Madison McCray - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Fall 2023–Spring 2026).

Mica Siegler - Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh (Spring 2024–Fall 2024).

Ariana Gisele Méndez Torrez - Research Assistant, Universidad Michoacana (Spring 2024).

Yakahiris Vazquez - Undergraduate Research Assistant (Fall 2023–Summer 2025) • Post-baccalaureate position: M.S.W. Student, Social Work, Millersville University.

Director of the CREAR Lab

Andrea S. Medrano, Ph.D.

Lab Staff

Sofia Adame

Grace Elena Dupree

Ángel Oros

Graduate Student Researchers

Geraldine Cisneros

Sydni Davila

Courtney Medina

Patrick Quintero

Post-Baccalaureate Research Collaborators

Zhiyu Cheng

Yadira Estrada

Dollar Ganu

Mia Hernandez

Kaitlyn Irizarry-Vega

Zainab Kabir

Amelia F Leonard

Ashley Lopez

Angela Martinez

Anthony Medina

Isabella Pina

Fabiola Wah

Kmaura White

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Cinthya Garcia Cortes

Himani Kharod

Hannah Kravets

Fabiana Lleras

Audrey Maize

Janeyra Maldonado

Nikita Sundaram

Campbell Toler

International Research Assistants

Mayra Karina Delgado Aguilera

Alitzel Donají Cruz Ángeles

Paulina Michell González Herrera

Unnati Khanna

Citlali Aguilar Mora

María de los Ángeles Morales Olivera

Karyme Joanna Bello Sereno

Diana Paola Toral Torres

Current Collaborators

Erika Álvarez Álvarez

Lara Bohórquez

Francheska Alers-Rojas, Ph.D.

Gabriella Alvarez, Ph.D.

Irmarie Cruz López, Ph.D.

Former Research Assistants