Nina is a 5th-year doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology at Purdue University. She grew up in Changsha, Hunan, China, and completed her undergrad at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, where she earned degrees in Clinical Psychology and English. She later went on to get her M.S. in Prevention Science from the University of Oregon. Before coming to Purdue, Nina worked as a research assistant on several projects focused on culturally sensitive behavioral and mental health interventions. Her research is all about exploring health disparities among marginalized groups, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. She’s particularly interested in advancing health disparity theory, developing measurement tools, describing public health disparities, and creating culturally tailored interventions. Lately, she’s been focusing on LGBTQ+ health disparities. When she’s not working, Nina enjoys making tea and drinks, cooking, baking, and playing badminton.
Ness is a fourth-year doctoral student in counseling psychology at Purdue University. Born and brought up in Gujarat, India, she earned her bachelor's degree from the School of Liberal Studies in her home state. Ness moved to the U.S. right after graduating with her B.A. (Hons). Ness' research focuses on making mindfulness culturally humble in the Western mental health field. Apart from work, Ness likes writing poems, listening to music (a lot of Taylor Swift), and going for walks when the Indiana weather allows.
Jenni is currently a fourth-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Purdue University. Originally from Burma, she now resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jenni earned her B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington and her M.S.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from Purdue. Her research interests broadly focus on health disparities, civic engagement, and mental health within the Burmese refugee community. In her free time, Jenni enjoys working out, playing pickleball, engaging in outdoor adventures such as paddle board and snowboarding, and spending time with her niece.
Samuel is a third-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology doctoral program at Purdue University. He received his B.A. in Psychology with a double minor in Anthropology and Sociology, as well as his M.Ed. in College Student Personnel Services from the University of Louisville. His research interest includes examining the role that acculturation, resiliency, thriving, and environment have on the mental health and success of Latinx students attending PWI’s. He is currently the Graduate Assistant under Director, Brittne Paramore in the Office of Student Success and Global Engagement.
Tori is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Purdue. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and earned her B.S. in psychology with a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies from CUNY Macaulay Honors College. Her research examines mental health, well-being, and resilience in families navigating contextual adversity, with an emphasis on health disparities, identity, and equitable access to support. When not working, Tori enjoys exploring new cities, going to the movies, and taking walks with her dog Ghost.
Phoebe is currently a second-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Purdue. She was born in Florida but grew up in Orange County, California. Phoebe graduated from the University of California, Irvine with dual B.A. degrees in Psychological Science and Social Ecology. Her research interests include the impact of parenting and culture on parent-child relationships and child socioemotional development. She hopes to work with Asian clients and community organizations to develop interventions that will improve familial dynamics and utilization of mental health services. Outside of school, Phoebe enjoys playing games, spending time with her puppy Venus, watching kdramas, reading, cooking, and exploring cafes.
Emily is a second-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Purdue. She was born and raised in New Jersey, and graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Applied Psychology. Emily's research interests broadly focus on Asian American colorism and health disparities. During her free time, Emily enjoys watching horror movies, drinking iced americanos, and playing video games.
Rachel is currently a second-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Purdue. She was born and raised in Illinois and graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S in psychology with minors in Human Development and Family Studies and Statistics. Rachel’s research interests focus on asexuality and neurodivergence. In her free time, Rachel reads comics, plays electric guitar, and crafts.
Yinan is currently a first-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Purdue University. She grew up in Hangzhou, China, and graduated from Boston College with dual B.A. degrees in Psychology and English Language and Literature. Yinan’s research interests broadly focus on language, culture, mental health, parent-child relationships, and family dynamics among Asian and Asian American populations. She also hopes to develop culturally sensitive and adaptive interventions for Asian families. During free time, Yinan enjoys cooking, playing video games, watching movies, and reading novels.