Assistant Professor, Psychological Sciences, University of San Diego

Dr. Berkley joined the department as a Postdoctoral Faculty Fellow in Fall 2021. In his current role as an assistant professor, Dr. Berkley teaches upper division courses in developmental psychology that include:

• Childhood and Adolescence

• Adulthood and Aging

• Close and Intimate Relationships (Senior Seminar)

• Black Families

Through his teaching and research, Berkley aims to integrate knowledge from developmental psychology to better understand human development and family dynamics throughout the lifespan. Berkley’s research broadly focuses on the sociocultural experiences of families and individuals in the United States, with a specific interest in familial processes that contribute to the well-being of adolescents and young adults.

Areas of Interest:

• Black/Latinx Families: Ethnic-racial socialization, racial discrimination, colorism

• Youth and Emerging Adults: Psychosocial, health, and academic outcomes

• Stepfamily Dynamics: Childrearing, coparenting relationships

Aisha Al-Amin (she/her) is currently a senior in the Department of Psychological Sciences, with a double minor in Business Administration and Communication at the University of San Diego. Aisha joined the REMP lab in Fall of 2024.

While in the lab, Aisha's project includes "Coping Strategies and Persistence of Undergraduate Women in STEM: Unpacking Gender Microaggressions." Her current project investigates the experiences of undergraduate women pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) majors. 

Aisha is interested in exploring whether gendered microaggressions impact women's academic persistence and sense of belonging within male dominated environments. She also seeks to understand coping strategies utilized within this context. By examining the experiences of undergraduate women pursuing STEM majors, Aisha aims to provide deeper insights into how stressors and coping mechanisms influence women's well being, which can contribute to more equitable practices and policies within academia and future workplace environments.

Alex Griffin (she/her) is currently pursuing an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of San Diego.  She received a Bachelor’s in Psychology and minor in Philosophy at the University of San Diego in 2023.  Alex joined the REMP lab in the Fall of 2022. 

While in the lab, Alex's projects include "Gendered Racial Microaggressions and Coping Strategies for Black Women," which specifically focused on using intersectional approaches to understand the effectiveness of coping strategies mitigating the negative effects of microaggressions. She is also a Co-PI with Dr. Berkley on the current projects "Socialization and Campus-Related Experiences of Black College Students," "Intergenerational Transmission of Cultural Values among First-Generation Collegiate Women of Color," and " "Cultural Factors and the Mental Health-Related Experiences and Behaviors of Latinx Youth."

Alex's big-picture goals are putting research into practice through education, training, and promotion of inclusivity and intersectionality in her clinical mental health counseling practices. She plans on pursing either a Counseling Psychology or Clinical Psychology PhD. 

Arianna Jones (she/her) is currently pursuing an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of San Diego. She received a Bachelor's in Psychology and minor in Gender Studies and Africana Studies at the University of San Diego in 2025. Arianna joined the REMP lab in the Fall of 2024.

While in the lab, Arianna’s project includes "Exploring Cognitive Dissonance and White Fragility in Discussions of Race." This study investigates the psychological mechanisms behind White fragility, cognitive dissonance, and guilt when White college students discuss their role in ongoing systems of racial issues. The project aims to understand how these emotional and cognitive responses are triggered to foster more productive conversations about race and privilege.

Arianna plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology, aiming to bridge her passion for clinical practice and social work, focusing on fostering inclusive mental health frameworks that integrate social justice.

Marisa Kamin (she/her) is currently a senior majoring in Psychology and Sociology and minoring in Philosophy at the University of San Diego. Marisa joined the REMP lab in the Fall of 2024.  

While in the lab, Marisa’s project includes a literature review for her independent study.  This project aims to explore the relationship between parental racial identity and child self-esteem in Asian American undergraduates. In doing so, Marisa seeks to understand how family racial socialization and identity dynamics shape individual self-esteem and perception within the Asian American community. 

Marisa hopes to pursue a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy to provide underprivileged and marginalized families with access to inclusive mental health care that supports the emotional well-being of both parents and children.

Irianna Morales (she/they) is currently a senior double-majoring in Psychology and Ethnic Studies at the University of San Diego. Irianna joined the REMP lab in the Fall of 2024.

While in the lab, Irianna's independent project that focuses on how growing up in intergenerational households has influenced mental health-seeking behaviors for Filipino American young adults. They plan to highlight the cultural values within Filipino American households and look at the impact of cultural conflict between generations. 

Irianna plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology, with the goal to make mental health services more accessible for marginalized and underprivileged communities. 

Iruka Obinelo (she/her) is currently a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business Administration and French at the University of San Diego. Iruka joined the REMP lab in the Fall of 2024.

While in the lab, Iruka's project includes "Beyond the Curls: Unraveling the Dynamics of Racial Socialization, Black Women’s Hair Esteem, and Well-Being." This project aims to study how societal beauty standards impact Black Women's self-esteem. 

Her research goals are to further investigate the aspects of society that influence Black women’s self-esteem and identity. In doing so, she hopes to shed light on the multifaceted nature of how societal, cultural, and familial factors shape self-perception. By examining these influences, she aims to provide a deeper understanding of the unique challenges Black women face in relation to beauty standards and self-worth.  Ultimately, her research seeks to inform more inclusive and supportive frameworks for fostering positive self-esteem among Black women.