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Student Spotlight – Aleeza West

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Meet UCLA undergraduate researcher Aleeza West!

Aleeza majors in Psychology and is a recipient of the UCLA/Keck Humanistic Inquiry Undergraduate Research Award. Her project is titled “The Effect of Fear Generalization on Social Fear, Social Avoidance, Experiential Avoidance, and Functional Impairment Amongst Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder.” Aleeza’s work aims to discover better ways to diagnose and treat individuals with anxiety. Her best advice is to always look for opportunities, even if you have to ask.

How did you first get interested in your research project?

I became interested in pursuing an independent research project upon joining Dr. Michelle Craske’s Anxiety and Depression Center. Through my experience as a research assistant and moving on to coordinating multiple studies, I became curious about leading my own project. After developing my idea with my mentors, I applied and was accepted to both the UCLA departmental honors program in Psychology and the UCLA/Keck Humanistic Inquiry Undergraduate Research Awards program.

What has been the most exciting aspect of your research so far?

The most exciting aspect has been designing my project. I am passionate about discovering better ways to diagnose and treat individuals with anxiety, and being able to create a project surrounding my research interests has been an amazing experience.

What has surprised you about your research or the research process?

What surprised me about the research process is how much I have learned throughout it. I have grown so much thanks to my mentors, Nora and Brooke, about data management, statistics, and overall research processes.

What is one piece of advice you have for other UCLA students thinking about doing research?

I advise other UCLA students to always look for opportunities, even if you have to ask! The worst thing that a possible mentor could say is no.

What effect do you hope your research has in your field, at UCLA, in your community, or in the world?

I hope my research journey inspires others to be confident enough to pursue their own independent experiences. Furthermore, I hope that my research can inform diagnostic and treatment options of those living with social anxiety.

Student Spotlight – Mario Peng Lee

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Meet UCLA undergraduate researcher Mario Peng Lee!

Mario majors in Linguistics & Computer Science and Psychology, minors in Data Science Engineering, and is in the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. The title of his project is “Meta-Learning in Language Learning Technology.” Mario’s work studies a flaw in current language learning: the maximization of screen time and exposure, which may not be the optimal way to learn a new language. His best piece of advice is to look at the world critically, find a problem with a tangible solution, and develop a small idea into a bigger project.

How did you first get interested in your research project?

As an active language learner, I noticed a flaw in current language learning technology. Most apps and websites maximize screen time and exposure using tools such as gamification and rewards. However, while this can increase user exposure to the target language, it may not be the most optimal process. Additionally, the detrimental effects of screen time are widely known, and it would be ideal to reduce it.

What has been the most exciting aspect of your research so far?

Brainstorming alternative teaching methods has been incredibly exciting. I had to dive deep into many different disciplines such as the psychology of motivation, linguistics, game design, and even machine learning!

What has surprised you about your research or the research process?

I was surprised by the amount of existing work on the topic I selected. I was also incredibly surprised by the lack of scientific support all the current language learning technologies have.

What is one piece of advice you have for other UCLA students thinking about doing research?

The best way to start doing research is by looking at the world critically and finding a problem with a tangible solution. I would advise students to start with small ideas that evolve into bigger projects rather than the other way around. Ask for help from professors. If they are busy, it is always a good idea to collaborate with grad students.

What effect do you hope your research has in your field, at UCLA, in your community, or in the world?

I hope my research can contribute to the ongoing discussion on (language) learning technology. I hope to contribute a meaningful study, algorithm, design, or method to increase the validity of certain claims that these technologies make.

Student Spotlight – Umiemah Farrukh

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Meet UCLA undergraduate researcher Umiemah Farrukh!

Umiemah Farrukh majors in Psychology and is in our Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. The title of her project is “Positive vs. Negative Affect Treatment: Matching Treatment Type to Personality Traits.” She hopes that her research inspires more minority women to pursue their dreams. Her best piece of advice is to never stop believing in the importance and value of your ideas.

How did you first get interested in your research project?

I first got interested in my research project when I joined the Anxiety and Depression Research (ADRC) Lab at UCLA and sat in on lab meetings led by the PI, Dr. Michelle Craske. I found myself in awe of the revolutionary work being done to help those with mental disorders and wondered if there was a way I could be a part of it in any capacity. The URSP program afforded me the opportunity to do just that.

What has been the most exciting aspect of your research so far?

The most exciting part of my research so far has been the opportunity to interact and learn from so many amazing mentors. I am incredibly grateful to all the graduate students, post-docs, faculty, and peers, that have made this an unforgettable experience!!! A special thank you to Nora, my graduate student mentor at the ADRC whose unconditional support and belief in me has allowed me to do things I never thought possible!

What has surprised you about your research or the research process?

My mentors always expressed to me the lengthiness of the research process, but I don’t think it’s possible to understand and appreciate exactly how long research takes until you do an independent project yourself. Research takes time and patience, and it has been so fulfilling to learn that lesson throughout my senior thesis journey, a lesson that has definitely made me a better researcher.

What is one piece of advice you have for other UCLA students thinking about doing research?

DO IT! Do it despite your fears and apprehensions, despite your worries and imposter syndrome. You can be scared and brave at the same time, and I think that is important to remember when going into research. Additionally, never stop believing in the importance and value of your ideas, because your ideas matter and can move the field forward if you are persistent and committed in the pursuit of finding a home for them.

What effect do you hope your research has in your field, at UCLA, in your community, or in the world?

I hope my research story inspires more minority women to pursue their dreams, whether that is in the research field or elsewhere because I want to uplift and empower all those who have ever felt that they didn’t have a voice. I also hope that with the right training and expertise, my research makes a positive impact on increasing treatment efficacy for individuals with depression and anxiety and contributes to the future of translational clinical psychology research globally.