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, he teaches courses in developmental psychology that include Black families and child and adolescent development. 

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 (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" and "Intergenerational Transmission of Cultural Values among First-Generation Collegiate Women of Color." 

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

Arianna Jones (she/her/hers) is currently a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Gender Studies and Africana Studies at the University of San Diego. 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.

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.

Ehli (she/her) received a Bachelor’s Psychology and double-minor in Sociology and Ethnic Studies at the University of San Diego in 2024. Ehli joined the REMP lab as a McNair Scholar in the Summer of 2023.

While in the lab, Ehli's projects included "Cultural Factors and the Mental Health-Related Experiences and Behaviors of Latinx Youth," which highlights the significance of certain beliefs commonly held by Latinx families, such as traditional gender roles. She is also a Co-PI with Dr. Berkley on the current project "Intergenerational Transmission of Cultural Values among First-Generation Collegiate Women of Color" and PI on "Cultural Factors and Mental Health-Related Behaviors of Hispanic/Latinx College Students."

Nayeli (she/her/ella) received a Bachelor’s Psychology and minor in Africana Studies at the University of San Diego in 2024. Nayeli joined the REMP Lab in the fall of 2023.

While in the lab, Nayeli’s projects included “Academic and social well being amongst students of size and the intersection of race and gender” The project explores students of size’s interactions with other students and faculty and how the intersections of being a student of size and BIPOC may be impact their experience on college campuses. She was also a Co-PI with Dr. Berkley on the current project "Intergenerational Transmission of Cultural Values among First-Generation Collegiate Women of Color."

Alex (she/her) is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Southern California, working towards a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She received a Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of San Diego in January 2023.  Alex joined the REMP lab in the Fall of 2022. 

While in the lab, Alex's projects included "Ethnic-Racial Identity Development Amongst Black College Students: Implications for Predominantly White Institutions," which explored how the concepts of race and ethnicity fit into one’s larger sense of self, specifically in settings of higher education. 

Mia (she/her) received a Bachelor’s Psychology and minor in Women and Gender Studies at the University of San Diego in 2024. Mia joined the REMP Lab in the Fall of 2023.

While in the lab, Mia’s projects included “Effects of Co-Parenting Relationships on Families and New Relationships”. The project explains the significance of what a co-parenting structure looks like, the effects that it has on those involved, including the involvement of new romantic partners, and reduces the stigma surrounding parents who dissolve their romantic relationships and pursue new ones.