Undergraduate Research Assistants

Vianna Chavez

Hi! My name is Vianna Chavez. I am a second-year student studying Applied Linguistics with a minor in Chicano/a Studies, possibly adding another in Education Studies. I love languages and language learning. I currently speak English, Spanish, and a bit of French, and I have also begun studying Korean. Outside of school, I like to travel, watch movies, and play the guitar! 

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Mo Wu

Hi! My name is Mo, and I’m a third-year student at UCLA majoring in Psychobiology and Philosophy with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. I’m passionate about studying the interaction between language development and prosocial behavior in young children. I’ve always adored working with children and I hope to continue doing so in the future with a career in pediatrics! In my free time, I love to dance, make arts and crafts, and explore flea markets 🙂

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Renee Ma

Hi! My name is Renee Ma and I am a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Applied Linguistics with a Computation Specialization! I hope to pursue pediatric speech-language pathology in a medical or clinical setting. In my personal life, I love dancing, spending intentional time with friends, and watching movies 🙂 

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Jada Arreola

Hi! My name is Jada Arreola, I am currently a third-year Psychobiology major, I hope to work up to my doctorate degree in Communicative Disorders and specialize in Speech Therapy research in a children’s hospital. In my free time, I love reading, trying new coffee shops, and being with loved ones.

Hesed Finkelman

Hi! My name is Hesed Finkelman, and I’m a second-year Cognitive Science major. Growing up trilingual sparked my fascination with the connection between speech and cognition. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue either a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a doctorate in Audiology, specializing in pediatrics. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing volleyball, making the most of UCLA’s free Canva Pro subscription, and spending time outdoors with friends 🙂

Jolyn Le

Hi! My name is Jolyn Le, and I’m a third-year undergraduate Cognitive Science student! As an aspiring healthcare professional, I’m highly interested in studying lifespan development, communication and bilingualism, sensory processing in child development, and neurodevelopmental disorders. During my free time, I also enjoy visiting new cafes and food spots, going to concerts, and collecting cute stationery!

Jovan Wu

Hi! My name is Jovan, and I’m a second-year student majoring in Stats and Education. I’m passionate about child development and speech-language pathology, with a focus on supporting neurodiverse children’s learning and communication through research and therapy. In my free time, I enjoy fencing (epee), listening to podcasts, watching K-dramas, and traveling with friends.

Emma Howlett

Hi, I’m Emma! I am a fourth-year applied linguistics major with an A.A. in Deaf Studies. I hope to be an English teacher to foreign learners abroad. I have a passion for education and working with children. My interest in this lab is bilingualism in babies and infants. Fun fact: babies/infants can learn to sign before they can speak. I currently know English and American Sign Language, and am learning Italian. In my personal life, I like to travel, sail, and try new foods.

Sarai Ordonez

Hi! My name is Sarai Ordonez and I’m a fourth-year undergraduate student at UCLA majoring in Linguistics and Psychology. I’m passionate about language processing, bilingualism, and how language experience shapes cognition. I hope to attend law school and am currently studying for the LSAT. In my free time, I love running my small businesses, traveling, and spending time with my three teacup Yorkies.

Desiree Gonzalez

Hi! My name is Desiree Gonzalez and I’m a third-year undergraduate student studying Linguistics and Psychology, with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society. I’m particularly interested in researching code-switching in bilingual speech. I’m also pursuing a specialization in computing, with aspirations of applying data science to psycholinguistic research and obtaining a career in a related field. Outside of academics, I’m an illustrator, I enjoy spending time with friends, and I love running!

Rohini Govier

Hi! My name is Rohini Govier, and I am a fourth year Applied Linguistics major and Ethnomusicology minor on the speech-language pathology track. I am particularly interested in the areas of neurolinguistics, bilingualism, language acquisition, phonology, speech and language impairments, and voice disorders. I am very excited to be a part of the lab and to be contributing to the research that shapes the practices of my future career field! In my free time, you may find me out in nature, singing, spending time with friends, or giving tours of UCLA! 

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