Undergraduate Research Assistants

Mario Peng Lee

Hello, I am Mario Peng Lee, a third-year undergraduate student at UCLA pursuing a double major in Linguistics & Computer Science and Psychology. In my leisure time, I enjoy indulging in various creative outlets such as composing music, photography, cooking, and spontaneous traveling.

Krystal Quinto

Greetings! My name is Krystal Quinto, and I am a 4th year studying Linguistics and Psychology at my dream school, UCLA. As I look to my future, I envision myself serving those with mental conditions, or language challenges. My long-term goal is to build a mental health nonprofit that aims to provide innovative care to people living with mental conditions. I am so deeply enamored with both Linguistics and Psychology that I am still uncertain what avenue I want to commit to as of yet, but I am optimistic in my future endeavors and goals surrounding mental health, and language acquisition. 

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Savera Ahmed

Hi! My name is Savera Ahmed and I am a current third-year undergraduate student at UCLA studying Psychobiology. I am on the pre-dental track and therefore have a deep interest in how language forms and contributes to how we function every day! I look forward to fostering a meaningful connection between what the Language Acquisition Lab strives to study and my personal interests. In my free time, I enjoy calligraphy and hand-lettering, knitting, and soaking up the bright SoCal sun!

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Meghan Matuszeski

Hi, my name is Meghan Matuszeski, and I’m a fourth-year Applied Linguistics major at UCLA! I’m particularly interested in studying language acquisition and speech pathology. My goal for the future is to obtain my master’s degree and become a speech pathologist. A few of my hobbies are reading, drawing, running, and attending concerts!

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Rabia Sumar

Hi everyone! My name is Rabia Sumar and I’m a fourth-year undergraduate at UCLA majoring in Linguistics and Psychology. I love learning the science behind language and the myriad of information it can give. In the future, I hope to find myself in a career in the medical field. As for my interests, I am an avid baker, I love watching movies, and I enjoy spending quality time with good friends!

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Verania Amaton

Hello! I’m Verania (or Nia) and I am a fourth year undergraduate majoring in Physiological Science and minoring in Linguistics. I am a pre-Physician Assistant student passionate in providing quality healthcare to my fellow Hispanic and LGBTQ+ communities as a provider one day. From a young age, I have been interested in learning about languages and the power that our words have on our development and identities. Outside of school, I have been getting into fitness, skincare/makeup, and cooking. 

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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! 

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Kyla Yadao

Hi, my name is Kyla Yadao! I am a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychobiology and minoring in Linguistics. I hope to pursue a career as a medical Speech Language Pathologist. I love volunteering with people of all different ages and abilities, and recognizing intersectionality in everyday life. I also enjoy watching all types of movies and listening to true crime podcasts. 

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Kelly Eun

Hello! My name is Kelly and I am currently a third year student studying Applied Linguistics here at UCLA. Along with language acquisition, I am also interested in research involving receptive bilingualism. Some of my favorite pastimes include doodling and listening to movie soundtracks!

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Xiaoxuan Wang

Hi! My name is Xiaoxuan Wang and I am currently a first year undergraduate student here at UCLA and I’m planning on double majoring in Applied Mathematics and Linguistics. My research interests include sociolinguistics and first language acquisition. In the future, I hope to
pursue a Master’s degree and become a scientific researcher. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, going to concerts and discovering new recipes. I am extremely excited to be an RA for the UCLA Language Lab!