Research Team
Lidia Y. Monjaras Gaytan, PhD; Research Team Director
The research conducted by Dr. Monjaras Gaytan is shaped by her personal journey as a Mexican-American woman and a first-generation college student who was raised in an immigrant household. Her research centers on the mentoring and educational experiences of adolescents and emerging adults marginalized by society, primarily emphasizing the experiences of students of color. Using a diverse array of research methods, Dr. Monjaras Gaytan investigates the origins (including individual and contextual aspects) and advantages of mentoring relationships (e.g., sense of belonging, academic outcomes, critical consciousness). Her particular focus lies in the examination of how contextual factors, including interpersonal and institutional racial discrimination, campus atmosphere, sense of belonging, and other institutional elements, impact the evolution of these relationships. Her ultimate goal is to utilize their research findings as a foundation for advocating interventions and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the well-being of marginalized students. In her free time, Dr. Monjaras Gaytan enjoys exploring new coffee shops, traveling, and hanging out with loved ones.
Elena Gonzalez Molina; Doctoral Student
After graduating from DePaul University, Elena coordinated social and behavioral research in a community-based FQHC. Her work afforded an opportunity to learn about the implementation of social and behavioral interventions within the healthcare setting among diverse population groups. As an advisee of Dr. Lidia Monjaras Gaytan at Loyola University, Elena’s current focus centers on how students discuss mental health among their close social networks, particularly within their mentor relationships. As a fun fact, Elena enjoys playwriting, painting, and spending time in green spaces.
Breanna Billups; Lab Manager
Breanna recently graduated from DePaul University with her B.A. in Psychology and as a McNair Scholar. For the past two years, she has worked on a longitudinal mixed-method study examining the educational experiences of first-generation college students. Specifically she examined how they formed mentoring relationships during college. Breanna also has an interest in Clinical Psychology and African American studies, and is planning to pursue a doctoral degree in the future. She is interested in studying the hypersexuality of young black women in the media, and its psychosocial effects. A fun fact about Breanna is that she loves watching and analyzing films. Additionally, she is also working on building her record collection as record shopping is fun passion of her’s!
Jade Valdez; Research Assistant
Jade received her bachelor’s in psychology from DePaul University. Jade has done research examining STEM identity, specifically looking at influential factors for women of color when pursuing higher education in STEM. Her focused research interest is on how the experience of underrepresented first-generation folks’ interactions with larger institutions further influences mental health and well-being. Her research interests also include belonging, identity, and post-traumatic growth. Jade loves traveling, spending time with friends/family, and snuggling her pets.
Natalia Olmedo; Research Assistant
Natalia is currently a student in her third year at Loyola University Chicago with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in fine arts. Her research interest include examining structural barriers in education for neurodivergent children. She also has an interest in pursuing Clinical Psychology and writing children's books. Natalia loves movies, drawing, animals, playing the bass, and unwinding with her family and friends.
Brittany K. Rivera; Research Assistant
Brittany is a graduate of DePaul University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Currently, she is a practicing clinician providing school-based therapy services for adolescents attending Chicago Public Schools. Brittany's prior research has focused on the experiences of BIPOC students enrolled in environmental science and environmental studies programs at PWIs. Her current interests include exploring the role of Adverse Child Experiences (ACEs) on undergraduate students' adjustment to college, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. In her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting coffee shops and breweries, and biking.
Isa Coronel; Research Assistant
Isa received an Associate in Arts degree from Harold Washington City College as a STAR Scholarship recipient and is currently working towards their B.S in Psychology at Loyola University in Chicago. Isa is interested in pursuing Clinical Psychology and working with marginalized groups, specifically the LGBTQ+ community, to provide mental health support. During their free time, Isa enjoys crocheting or exploring new art mediums, going to concerts and getting fruity drinks with their friends.