RESEARCH LAB

Carissa Serratos

Carissa Serratos is a fifth-year student in the School Psychology doctoral program at Indiana University. She is from Hammond, Indiana and received a Bachelor of Science at Purdue University in Lafyette Indiana. Following graduation, she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician where she provided Applied Behavior Analysis therapy services for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She also attended Valparaiso University, earning a graduate certificate in Trauma-Informed Care. Carissa’s research interest includes knowledge and training in trauma-informed care and practice among public school special education teachers. She ultimately wants to provide consultation services for teachers and other school staff on implementing culturally responsive trauma-informed school practices.

Ciara Thomas

Ciara is a fifth-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program at Indiana University-Bloomington. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she served as a research assistant for multiple labs. Her work there focused on African American youth’s perception of the systemic factors that contribute to gun violence in their community, analyzing
the language development of children using eye-tracking software, along with presenting a hypothetical research proposal on the neurological impacts of visual learning.

Ciara’s research interests involve socially just advocacy that precipitates effective unbiased assessments for students of color. A subsequent line of interest for
Ciara is neuropsychology and neuropsychological assessments within the intersection of the field of School Psychology. She is excited to work towards alleviating disparities for minoritized youth in areas where psychological services are scarce.

Karina Mojica

Karina is a first-generation fifth-year student in the School Psychology doctoral program at Indiana University. For her undergrad, she majored in Psychology and Spanish at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Before pursuing graduate school, she worked as a research assistant and lab manager in Dr. Susan Levine’s Cognitive Development lab at the University of Chicago. Her research interests include mental health, specifically pertaining to minoritized youth. She would like to continue looking at how access to resources and supports helps students. Additionally, she is interested in learning of new ways to uplift the voices of youth to get a better sense of what they believe is needed in their schools and communities. She is also interested in providing resources in the Spanish language so as to provide more awareness to Spanish-speaking individuals and their families. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she hopes to return to work with Black and Brown Latinx communities in schools and their neighborhoods to better support the implementation of mental health interventions and other resources.

Tiffany Williams

Tiffany is a first- year student in the School Psychology Doctoral Program at Indiana University. For her undergraduate degree, she majored in Psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she served as a research assistant in the Developing Equitable Minds lab. Her work there focused on promoting children’s developing conceptions of equity and fairness, as well as understanding their perception and development of group-based social biases.

In addition, Tiffany worked as a playworker where she focused on supporting children’s play by utilizing the Theory of Loose Parts. Tiffany’s research interests include promoting social justice and culturally responsive practice in school psychology. Particularly, Tiffany is interested in applying these principles to special education referral practices. Ultimately, she aims to promote equitable, safe, and inclusive learning environments where all children feel seen, valued, and supported.

Tiondra Little

Tiondra is a dedicated third-year student in the School Psychology Doctoral Program at Indiana University. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Illinois State University, where she also minored in African American Studies, Children’s Studies, and Sociology, showing her deep commitment to understanding diverse perspectives and supporting children.

With a heartfelt passion for exploring the experiences of multiracial youth and adolescents, Tiondra is currently working on a project that aims to highlight the underrepresented aspects of multiracial identity development in both K-12 schools and higher education. Drawing from her own biracial background, she feels a personal connection to this important work, driven by her desire to ensure that every student is seen, heard, and understood. As she prepares to become a school psychologist, Tiondra remains committed to supporting and uplifting all young people, recognizing that their academic, social, behavioral, developmental, environmental, and emotional journeys are closely connected and play a vital role in shaping their futures.

Yiming Han

Yiming is a first-year student in the School Psychology Doctoral Program at Indiana University. She is originally from China and received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She later earned her Master of Philosophy in Social and Developmental Psychology from the University of Cambridge.

Yiming’s research interests focus on developing culturally responsive mental health support frameworks for underserved students. She is also interested in exploring social justice frameworks within a global context to better understand how equity principles are defined and applied across diverse settings. She is committed to promoting inclusive and equitable educational environments, supporting diverse learners, and contributing to evidence-based practices that improve student outcomes.