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
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.
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.
Miguel Gomez
Hi there! My name is Miguel, and I am entering my fourth year of undergraduate study in Psychology. While my plans after graduation continue to evolve, including pursuing an MSW, PhD in Psychology, PsyD, or a post-baccalaureate program, I know that I would love to continue my career in the field of Psychology. My academic interests include emotions, the relationship between socioeconomic factors and well-being, human behavior, and psychological disorders. I am especially interested in understanding how individual and environmental factors can shape people’s experiences and well-being. Outside of academics, I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, cooking, and watching The Real Housewives, with the ongoing goal of making my way through every city!
Anne Amala
Hello! My name is Anne, and I am in my third year of undergraduate psychology studies. Following graduation, I plan to pursue a M.S. in Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy. Great interests of mine include psychiatric disorders, their physiological manifestations, and their causes and effects. Beyond disorders, I am greatly interested in external manifestations of personality traits. Outside of psychology and academia, I love reading, painting, hiking, playing the piano and clarinet, and all things music!
Myitta Aye
Hello, I’m Myitta, a second-year Psychology Student. I plan to pursue a career as a psychology professor and researcher. I plan to do research in Developmental Psychology, specifically in Learning and Education. My life goal is to improve how people learn and how education is taught. Outside of academia, some cool things about me are that I am a Tomboy, a Jazz Musician, and the biggest My Little Pony fan!
Aryssa Singh
Hi! I’m Aryssa, a freshman at UCR majoring in biology. My research interests include learning about how individual thought patterns and identities, such as socioeconomic status, shape people’s broader interactions with their environment. In my free time, I love reading, watching arthouse and classic movies, and crocheting.
Mindy Rodriguez
Hello! My name is Mindy, and I am a third-year Education major. I plan to pursue a career in medicine and train to become a surgeon, with the ultimate goal of advancing health equity and serving vulnerable populations. My research interests include systemic factors outside the classroom that affect individuals in the real world, such as socioeconomic status, social environments, and other factors that influence health and educational outcomes. In my free time, I enjoy playing with my dog Lola, reading fantasy and mystery stories, and I am a huge fan of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter!
Ria Bhatt
Hello! My name is Ria. I am a first year psychology major. I aspire to become a physician and pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology. I am excited to gain research experience and learn more about how it can tie into improving healthcare in a patient facing position. Outside of school, I love working out at the gym, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music.
Lab Alumni
Undergraduate RAs
Adamadia Pegadiotes
Neha D’Souza
Jaylene Razo
Tiffany Chen
Samantha Vargas-Gallegos
Alyson Schneider
Harshitha Muduganti
Hazel Fujinami
Ivy Vu
Jose Oquendo