Principal Investigator
Stephen Antonoplis
Dr. Antonoplis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside. His research focuses on the interplay of personality, intergroup relations, and resource allocation, as well as the measurement of social and psychological constructs. His current work examines, for example, the historical development of class identity in the U.S. and differences in the kinds of relationships occupied by different- and same-race contacts in personal networks (e.g., coworker, friend).
In his free time, Dr. Antonoplis enjoys spending time with friends, drinking coffee from around the world, finding new music and collecting records, playing music, going to art museums, and running.
Post-Doctoral Research Scholars
Rongxin Cheng
Dr. Cheng is a postdoctoral researcher working with Dr. Antonoplis in the Self and Society Laboratory at the University of California, Riverside. Her research focuses on personality, educational achievement, growth mindset, and class identity.
Outside of work, Dr. Cheng enjoys tea, wine, coffee, really anything with an aromatic quality.
Research Assistants
Neha D’Souza
Hello! My name is Neha and I am a second-year undergraduate pursuing a major in Psychology. I am particularly interested in the cognitive processes related to psychological disorders, and how that compounds throughout one’s lifespan. I aspire to pursue a career as a Neurologist or as a Clinical Psychologist. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, hanging out with friends, trying new coffee shops, shopping, and watching a good show!
Adamandia Pegadiotes
I am a 3rd year Psychology major interested in this labs socioeconomic studies and its role in social interaction. I am planning on pursuing a career in research. Some of my hobbies include listening to music and collecting CDs, watching movies, reading philosophy/science fiction books, learning more about investing, and thrifting.
Samantha Vargas-Gallegos
Hello, I’m Samantha, I’m a fourth year transfer, and majoring in psychology. Humans social behavior has caught my interest throughout the years, which is why this lab caught my interest. Their work on prejudices and who gets resources especially is what made me want to join. My career interests extended beyond the moon, I wish to go into therapy though, whether it be art therapy, CBT, or psychoanalysis therapies. A few of my interest lie in crocheting and gardening, from time to time though, I will pick up a pencil and draw.
Tiffany Chen
Hello! My name is Tiffany and I’m a third year student studying Psychology and Business Analytics. My (extensive) research interests include team dynamics, leader and follower identities, diversity and demographics, human-computer interaction, AI chatbots, user experience, and various topics in cyberpsychology. I plan on getting my PhD through an Industrial/Organizational Psychology doctorate program; I am currently exploring different related career pathways in industry (mainly consulting and UX research). Some of my hobbies include hiking, playing Dungeons & Dragons (as well as other TTRPGs), hanging out with my friends, cafe hopping, singing, creative writing, and obsessively researching whatever deeply interests me at the moment!
Phoebe Loustaunau
Hello, I’m Phoebe. I’m a third year undergrad Psychology major. In my future career, I hope to further pursue my research interests including topics such as cognition, emotional regulation, emotional expression, lifespan development or aging, and the effects of music on the brain. I also appreciate the systemic approach of psychological research especially the statistical and mathematical aspects. In my free time, I like to shop for antiques, sing opera, make matcha lattes, and play with my dog Einstein.
Alyson Schneider
Hi, I’m Alyson! I am a 4th-year undergraduate student at UCR studying psychology. I have great interests in the self, positive psychology, and the life span. Outside of psychology, topics of philosophy and culture in societies interest me most. My plans after UCR will consume of transitioning to data organization/analytics, with a boost of my skills in statistics and mathematics to help along the way. When I’m not being a student, I greatly enjoy watching anime/reading manga, trying new coffee shops, cooking, yoga, playing Marvel Rivals, or snuggling my fur baby Momo!
Quashaunna Toledo-Scott
Hello! My name is Quashaunna, and I am a third-year Psychology student on the Bachelor of Science track. My research interests include discrimination, especially how it affects Black and Native American communities. I am interested in this lab’s focus on socioeconomic conditions as well as individual class identity. I hope to get a PhD in Social Psychology and continue to conduct research studies. In my free time, I love playing Fortnite, watching baking shows with my boyfriend, and drinking Piña Colada flavored energy drinks.
Lab Alumni (and Current Affiliations)
Undergraduate RAs
Harshitha Muduganti
Hazel Fujinami
Ivy Vu
Jose Oquendo