Lavender Lab

Introducing Lucas (he/him)! Lucas is a junior psychology major with a minor in statistics. He is interested in studying factors that contribute to stigma and is currently doing research on identifying individual characteristics/experiences that lead to stigma against the LGBTQ+ community. My fun fact is that I have over 100 $2 bills

Introducing Eric (he/him)! Eric is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Economics with interests in developmental and consumer psychology. He is interested in learning more about the role intersectionality plays in mental health and psychological wellbeing and looks forward to working in the Lavender Lab. Fun fact: I've been playing the piano since I was five.

Introducing Elijah (he/they)! Elijah is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. He is interested in the overlap between psychology and criminology, and how the unique experiences of q***r BIPOC individuals can impact a variety of outcomes. He is more specifically interested in how psychology research can impact change in policy and the criminal justice system. Elijah is very excited to be working in the Lavender Lab! A fun fact about me is that I still have my childhood collection of over 5000 Pokémon cards.

Introducing Jenna Cutri (she/her)! She recently earned her master's degree in Clinical Psychological Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Previously, she graduated with a B.S. in Sociology and a double major in Political Science from Virginia Tech, where she concentrated her coursework on social inequality and cultural issues impacting individuals based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. Her current research interests focus on investigating the impact of health disparities on interpersonal functioning and mental health outcomes for underserved and marginalized populations, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals and racial/ethnic minorities. Additionally, she is interested in understanding social determinants of health and examining under what contexts they may act as protective or risk factors for individuals from minoritized backgrounds.
Fun fact: “I used to work for Former President Barack Obama.”

Introducing Tara Sullivan (she/they)! Tara is a recent graduate of Stanford University, having earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Health and Development. Tara is interested in researching how intersectional minority stress and trauma can influence the development of psychopathology for QTBIPOC populations. In the future, they hope to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and dedicate their career towards using community-based research methods and radical healing frameworks to reduce treatment inequities in psychological health for QTBIPOC communities.
Fun fact: “I once lived in a QTBIPOC community house, where I learned to cook for 30+ people every week!

Introducing Jaya Marella (she/her)! She is a junior Social Data Science Major and is interested in studying how society affects q***r BIPOC individuals mentally and socially.
Fun facts: “ I happen to meet one of the actors from stranger things at a hotel in Canada.”

The Lavender Lab stands in solidarity with Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community after the tragedy that took place at Club Q on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. This attack is devastating and we hope that you all are tending to yourselves in ways that are the most helpful for you. Listed are some helpful skills and resources that you can utilize during this challenging and traumatizing time. You are valid and you are valued.

Skills:
- Check in with yourself and your feelings
- Connect with your support system
- Connect with your community
- Practice mindfulness through meditation and grounding techniques
- Take deep breaths
- Write down how you are feeling in a journal
- Engage in self care practices (e.g., go for a walk, listen to your favorite music
- Engage in activities to connect you with LGBTQ+ pride and liberation

Resources:
https://linktr.ee/lvndrlab

Introducing Hannah Vanlandingham (she/her)! Hannah is currently a first year Master's student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Maryland. She received her BS in Psychology from James Madison University in 2022. She also minored in Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies and African, African American, and Diaspora Studies. Her undergraduate research focused on intersectionality and mental health outcomes for underrepresented populations. Similarly, her current research interests are exploring ways stigma plays a role for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals mental health outcomes.
Fun fact: I was born in Australia!

Introducing Ash Arumugam (she/her)! Ash is currently a 1st year Master’s student in the Clinical Psychological Science program at UMD. She received her BA in Psychology from UC Irvine in 2022. Her undergraduate research focused on sleep, memory, and anxiety. Her current research interests include investigating the psychological determinants of health in underrepresented populations.
Fun fact: My birthday is the same day as India’s Independence Day (August 15). When I went to India as a kid, I thought all the fireworks on that day were for me.

If you are 14-18 years old, LGBTQ+, and you interested in participating, please visit: https://american.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cAYHsZrD3JBKE06

Or contact: [email protected]

The Lavender Lab wishes you a happy Pride Month❤️

Pride is for everyone regardless if you are not out and loud. You are “q***r enough” no matter where you are, and who tells you otherwise, so celebrate yourself!

This month, celebrate how far we come but take the time to remember the roots of the LGBTQ+ community. Honor the change makers, especially BIPOC individuals, who made history, and those who are still fighting for progress for our community today.

Be apart to the work we still have to do! We are still very far from reaching equality for all q***r individuals! Show up for BIPOC trans and non-binary individuals, disabled q***r individuals, q***r youth, etc.

You are seen. You are valid. You are loved! HAPPY PRIDE!

ALT TXT: The pride flag is in the background with a white box in the center with text that reads “Happy Pride!!” “The Lavender Lab hopes this month is filled with love, acceptance, and celebration.” There is a red heart at the end of the sentence.

Happy Le***an Visibility Day to everyone celebrating this day:) We see you, you are loved, you are valid! 💗🧡🤍 alt text: pink background that reads “happy le***an visibility day”, rainbows with the le***an pride colors in the corners, two people hugging in the middle, one is wearing rainbow pants

Mariya Malik (she/her) is currently a first year student at American University majoring in Psychology and minoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. In the past, she has done a TEDx Talk addressing the underrepresented struggle first and second generation immigrants face regarding their mental health, and how these issues can be combated by an accounting for intersectionality in healthcare treatments and finding a way to educate and spread awareness among communities who are trapped behind cultural barriers. She joined the lab in hopes of doing work addressing these kinds of health disparities, as well as gaining practical, analytical and research skills.

Louise Plever (She/Her) is excited to be a new Research Assistant in the Lavender Lab! She is a junior studying Public Health (BS) here at AU. She is from Asheville, NC and loves to hike! She is interested in LGBTQIA+ health and creating a more inclusive health system. She hopes to attend PA school and pursue a Masters degree in Public Health✨ ALT TEXT: Louise is standing wearing a white top and jeans with a tote bag. She is smiling at the camera