Undergraduate Research Assistants – Language Acquisition Lab

Liz

“Hello everyone! My name is Liz, and I am a first-year undergraduate student at UCLA studying cognitive science, although I am interested in potentially switching into the linguistics & computer science major. I am interested in research in the areas of sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, morphosyntax, and computational linguistics (specifically natural language processing). In my free time I like to draw, read essays, and discover new music to listen to.”

Apoorva Gunti

Hi! My name is Apoorva and I’m a fourth year (2nd year transfer) undergraduate student majoring in Anthropology. In the future, I would love to pursue a graduate degree and pursue a career in public health. I currently speak two languages (English and Telugu) and am on a journey to learn two more. I am always looking to learn more about language. In my free time, I love playing the piano and double bass.

Kira Keane

Hi! My name is Kira and I am a first year undergraduate majoring in Linguistics and Psychology. I am fascinated by language development in children, and hope to eventually pursue a career in Speech Language Pathology. In my free time I can be found reading, exploring new music, or cracking jokes with my improv team!

Elísabet Norgard

Hi! My name is Elísabet Norgard, and I am a second year Cognitive Science major currently planning to double minor in Data Science Engineering and Linguistics. I am fascinated by how the brain learns and processes language, and I absolutely love language learning. I dabble in over a dozen languages but primarily study Russian, Spanish and Norwegian. In my free time I love to spend time outdoors, cook, listen to music, watch films, and read. I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the Language Lab!

Alexandra Nilsen

My name is Alexandra, I am a first year Applied Linguistics major, and I am so excited to be a part of the Language Acquisition lab! In my free time I love teaching youth musical theater, acting, learning languages, and making music. I am currently planning to double minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Chinese as I have strong interests in Bilingual Acquisition and childhood experiences on mental health. After graduation I hope to attend graduate school and obtain licensing to become an Early Intervention Speech Pathologist.

Xitlali Zúñiga-Gross

Hello! My name is Xitlali and I’m a 3rd-year Pre-International Development Studies Major with a minor in Linguistics. I’m from Northern California where I was raised in a bilingual household, which alongside my name, began my interest in language and culture. One of my goals is to learn many languages (I currently know or am learning five). I also enjoy reading, art, and plants.

Galilea Barrera

Hi everyone! I’m Galilea and I am a third-year transfer undergraduate majoring in Applied Linguistics and minoring in Disability Studies. I aspire to be a speech-language pathologist with the purpose of providing high-quality care to children with developmental disabilities who come from underserved communities, like the one I am part of. I am fascinated by languages, and my own language journey has taught me that language can be the most beautiful and destructive gift given to us. Outside of academics, I love watching donghuas, and I enjoy spending quality time with my loved ones.

Yasmine Bizarro

Hello! My name is Yasmine Bizarro I am a second- year undergraduate student at UCLA studying Psychology and Linguistics. I hope to pursue a career as a medical Speech Language Pathologist. I am incredibly passionate about child development, and how speech can foster these young identities. Outside of school I enjoy journaling, dancing, and baking!

Laine Phillips

Hey! My name is Laine Phillips and I am a second-year neuroscience major and plan to minor in linguistics. After completing my undergraduate work I plan to attend medical school and eventually work as a pediatric neurologist with a focus on language. I am originally from Washington D.C. and am a big appreciator of the art museums there. Additionally, I love reading, coffee, and hiking!

Sophie Kehl

Hello! My name is Sophie Kehl, and I recently graduated from UCLA as a Linguistics major with a minor in Film, Television, and Digital Media. I enjoy studying phonology, sociolinguistics, and language acquisition. I also like dancing and video editing in my free time. I am currently pursuing further education in speech and language pathology, and hope to become a speech language pathologist in the future!

Mario Peng Lee

Hello, I am Mario Peng Lee, a fourth-year undergraduate student at UCLA pursuing a double major in Linguistics & Computer Science and Psychology. In my leisure time, like surfing and kickboxing.