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!
Harshitha Muduganti
I’m Harshitha, a 3rd year psychology major and I’m interested in the lab’s work on understanding how individuals’ personalities shape them into who they are and how they perceive the world. After I graduate, I want to get my master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Some things I enjoy doing in my free time are traveling, hiking, baking, and going out with my friends.
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.
Ivy Vu
Hello, I’m Ivy and I am a 3rd year psychology undergraduate with an interest in child development. In regards to this lab, I’m most interested in how social influences affect people across the lifespan, specifically in how these influences vary and develop across cultures and time periods.When I have the time, I enjoy drawing and playing video games.
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, singinging, creative writing, and obsessively researching whatever deeply interests me at the moment!
Hazel Fujinami
Hello! I’m Hazel Fujinami and I’m entering my second year at UCLA as a double major in Psychology and Education! I’m most interested in child development, specifically adolescents in educational settings! I hope to continue my education after my undergrad at UCLA to be a Teaching Assistant and do research in schools or become a professor! When I have free time, my life revolves around music whether it be: listening to music, watching musicals, going to concerts, or dancing!
Jose Oquendo
Jose Oquendo is an Associate clinical Social Worker, therapist and scholar-practitioner with over two decades of experience working across diverse communities. He holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. His professional background spans clinical mental health, theological education and ministerial practice, trauma-informed practice, DEI consultant and social justice advocacy.
Jose’s research interests lie at the intersection of social psychology, intergroup relations, and power dynamics, with a focus on structural and socio-cultural disparities, national religious identity, and the psychological impacts of socio-religious norms and political conservatism as forces of opposition to progressive equity movements. He is particularly drawn to understanding how historically marginalized individuals navigate group identity, belonging, and ideological dissonance in faith-based and political spaces.
He is currently preparing to pursue a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, with the long-term goal of entering a tenure-track professorship at the graduate level. In addition to contributing to research and academia, Jose plans to open his own mental health practice, launch a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and establish a foundation and business centered on healing, advocacy, and community empowerment.
Outside of his professional life, Jose has a deep love for fishing, physical, emotional, social wellness and an enduring interest in all things socio-cultural, political, and religious. He is committed to helping people, community engagement, and dismantling barriers to mental and social health. He has been passionately married for 24 years and credits his personal and professional growth to a life grounded in empathy, resilience, and faith in transformative human connection.