Principal Investigator
Professor Alexandra Main's research focuses on social and emotional development of children and adolescents within the family context. Specifically, she is interested in the development of empathy and emotion regulation and how these processes are shaped by temperament, family, and culture. She is currently working on projects investigating communication of empathy between parents and adolescents, how cultural orientations influence family emotional communication, and the implications of these processes for psychological and physical health.
Current Graduate Students
Katey Workman is a third-year graduate student. She received her B.A. (English Literature), B.S. (Human Development) and M.A. (Marriage, Family, and Human Development) from Brigham Young University. Her research has focused primarily on early and emerging adult prosocial behavior as well as mental health outcomes. Katey is eager to learn more about the role of culture in the enactment of prosocial behavior and their collective contribution to resilience. She continues to co-own and operate a mental health clinic in Utah.
Lucas Parnell is a second-year graduate student. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Colorado Mesa University and his M.A. in Experimental Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. His research interests involve emotion socialization, interpersonal emotion dynamics, and emotion in the contexts of parenting and type 1 diabetes management. In his free time, Lucas enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing ultimate frisbee, and repeating his impressive repertoire of three to four songs on the ukulele.
Suzy Aguirre is a first-year graduate student. She received her B.S.W. (double major in psychology and social work) from Milligan University. Her research interests involve family dynamics, adolescent adjustment, and the role of culture in shaping resilience and emotional well-being. In her free time, Suzy enjoys trying new foods, going on hikes, spending time with family, and watching The Office.
Scarlett Lopez-Aguilar is a first-year graduate student. She completed her bachelor's degree in psychology at UC Davis. During her time as an undergraduate, she was involved in the HERD Lab as a research assistant before becoming a Junior Specialist for the HERD and SES Lab. She is interested in studying how family dynamics, culture, and broader context shape youth’s social and emotional development. She is especially interested in the development of resilience in the face of adversity. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, dancing, and watching a good movie.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Victoria De Los Angeles
Skye Dumas is a fourth-year health psychology major. During the rest of her time at UC Merced, she intends to further her understanding of research within the Family Development lab. She wants to continue her education after graduation and obtain her doctorate in clinical psychology. In her free time, she holds an officer position in her sorority and loves to spend quality time with her family and dog, Moose.
Brianna Griffin
Sara Kue
Mya Rounds
Ava Smith
Diamond Tolbert