Meet the Current Undergraduate Research Assistants (2026-2027)

Celeste Mendoza-Amezcua (She/Her/Ella)
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hometown: Monmouth, OR
Major(s)/Minor:
 Psychology and Criminology
Expected Graduation Year: 
2027

Interests/Why did you join this lab? I joined this lab because it aligned with my area of interests and future work I hope to be apart of! I also really enjoyed the bilingual component to this lab. I think overall it’s a great experience and a lot to learn here.

Favorite part about living in Eugene or Oregon? My favorite part of living in Oregon is how beautiful this state is. I love hiking, going to the beach, and just experiencing all the nature Oregon has to offer.

What is one activity you are involved in professionally or for fun? I am apart of the Women in Psychology club!

Carley Yunker (She/Her)
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hometown: Hillsboro, OR
Major(s)/Minor:
 Psychology/Interdisciplinary Cognitive Sciences & English
Expected Graduation Year: 
2027

Interests/Why did you join this lab? I joined this lab because I am passionate about psychological research and committed to supporting underrepresented communities within psychology and beyond. I am interested in how research can shape policy and drive meaningful, equitable change. Through this work, I hope to better understand Latinx experiences and learn alongside and from my lab members and colleagues.

Favorite part about living in Eugene or Oregon? I’m grateful to be an Oregonian because I get to live among mountains, forests, the ocean, and seasonal change, which always brings something new to appreciate. Oregon feels especially like home because my family is from here, with relatives spread across the state. Eugene is a place where I can pursue my academic goals while staying connected to both nature and my loved ones.

What is one activity you are involved in professionally or for fun? When I get the chance, I love staying active outdoors, hiking, paddleboarding, and skiing.

Camile Llamas Islas (She/Her/Ella)
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hometown: Salem, OR
Major(s)/Minor:
 Psychology & Spanish
Expected Graduation Year: 
2028

Interests/Why did you join this lab? I plan to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist working with Latinos/Hispanics. When I first learned about the lab, I was immediately interested because the work aligned with what I wanted to do. I thought it would be a great opportunity to start seeing what exactly grad school will be like and learn some of the skills early on.

Favorite part about living in Eugene or Oregon? My favorite part of living in Oregon is that there is a Dutch Bros always nearby. I also enjoy rainy days; they’re a perfect excuse to stay home, grab a good book, and have a hot chocolate.

What is one activity you are involved in professionally or for fun? I am part of Muxeres, Pathways, and TRIO SSS

Shreeya Shrestha (She/Her/Ella)
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hometown: XXXX
Major(s)/Minor:
 XXXX
Expected Graduation Year: 
XXXX

Interests/Why did you join this lab? XXXX

Favorite part about living in Eugene or Oregon? XXXX

What is one activity you are involved in professionally or for fun? XXXX

Aleida Robles (She/Her/Ella) 
Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Hometown: XXXX
Major(s)/Minor:
 XXXX
Expected Graduation Year: 
XXXX

Interests/Why did you join this lab? XXXX

Favorite part about living in Eugene or Oregon? XXXX

What is one activity you are involved in professionally or for fun? XXXX

Eberildo Ramos Matias (He/Him/El)
Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hometown: Newport, OR
Major(s)/Minor:
 Accounting/Latinx Studies
Expected Graduation Year: 
2028

Interests/Why did you join this lab? I joined the lab because I am passionate about helping mam speaking youth. I’ve grown up with a community of Mam speakers and I want to use this as a form of giving back to my community.

Favorite part about living in Eugene or Oregon? My favorite part of living in Oregon is the greenery. Growing up here made it feel like nature was my playground.