Research Team
Dustin Thoman, Ph.D.
MSI Lab Supervisor, Principal Investigator
Dr. Dustin Thoman is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education at San Diego State University. He also serves as California Research Director for Motivate Lab. His scholarship is grounded in social psychology, diversity science, and a social contextual framework of motivation. He studies how motivation can be supported or disrupted by the social and cultural contexts in which interests are sparked, developed, and ultimately become (or not) lifelong pursuits.He and his research teams have secured over $9M to support research on equity and inclusion in education, particularly broadening of participation in STEM education from NSF, NIH, and private foundations such as the College Futures Foundation. Through a wide range of program development, consulting, mentoring, and advisory board activities at SDSU and institutions/ organizations across the country, he utilizes insights from motivation science to identify and remove institutional and social-contextual barriers that impede the development of educational and career interests for students from marginalized and historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Joseph M. Ocampo, Ph.D.
Post Doctoral Researcher
Joseph M. Ocampo is a postdoctoral researcher at San Diego State University. Joseph is a first-generation college student who earned his B.A. in Psychology at UC San Diego and his Ph.D. in Social-Personality psychology from UC Berkeley. Joseph’s research has followed two broad paths: 1) emotional experience, identity, and well-being and 2) compassion and prosocial behavior. As a postdoctoral researcher, Joseph seeks to investigate how historically underrepresented or economically disadvantaged students’ identity both shapes and is shaped by the pursuit of STEM careers and how prosocial motives play a role in career interest and persistence. (email: jmocampo@sdsu.edu)Rosalva Romero-Gonzalez
Graduate Research Assistant
Rosalva Romero is a third-year graduate student in the Psychology MA program at SDSU. She is a first-generation college student and the daughter of a Mexican immigrant mother from Guanajuato. Rosalva obtained her B.A. in Psychological Science in 2020 from California State University San Marcos. Her research interests include examining the educational experiences of historically excluded students in higher education. More specifically, exploring the factors that influence students’ social identity, psychological well-being, and sense of belonging. She intends to pursue a PhD in Education to address the disparities and inequalities in education and academic spaces. Throughout her research, she aims to connect the community to academia and conduct culturally relevant research to serve the community. Ultimately, she hopes to inspire first-generation and historically underrepresented students to pursue higher education and encourage them to become future leaders. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, sightseeing, and traveling.Lilibeth Flores
Graduate Research Assistant
Lilibeth is a third-year graduate student in the Psychology MA program at SDSU. She graduated from Cal State San Marcos with a B.A. in Psychology. Her research interests include: stereotype and prejudice, identity, belonging, and STEM education equity. She intends to pursue a PhD in Social Psychology and contribute to the knowledge on how to increase inclusion and diversity in STEM. In her free time she likes gardening, watching horror movies, and spending time with her family and dog, Stellio.Chih-An Bian
Graduate Research Assistant
Chih-An Bian is a second-year graduate student in the Psychology MA program at SDSU. She is an international student from Taiwan, and she graduated from National Taiwan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Her current research interests focus on how mindset cues from faculty can influence the climate/culture in a STEM research lab, thereby impacting students’ experiences in the lab. She intends to pursue a PhD in Social Psychology to continue studying how subtle situational cues can impact equity in an environment, and how this can affect a person’s motivation and sense of safety. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature and with friends.Luis Darwin Avalos
Graduate Research Assistant
Born and raised in San Diego, Luis Darwin Avalos is a second-year graduate student at San Diego State University under the mentorship of Dr. Dustin Thoman. Prior to joining the graduate program, he completed earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy at SDSU in 2019. His research interests are focused on the different factors that motivate or discourage students in STEM education. Furthermore, he is interested in improving academic conditions for historically underrepresented students. He intends to continue his education and pursue Ph.D. in Social Psychology to further explore ways to improve students’ motivation in education. Darwin enjoys spending his free time with friends, being involved in the arts, or watching a soccer game.Brooke Isrow
Graduate Research Assistant
Brooke is a first year graduate student in the Psychology M.A. program at SDSU. She completed her undergraduate education at UC Davis in 2023, earning a B.A. in both Psychology and Communication, as well as a minor in Professional Writing. Her research interests include how social relationships impact individual motivation within an activity, such as a classroom or a sports team. She intends to study how these relationships develop, are maintained, and affect a person’s drive to engage with their craft. In her free time, Brooke enjoys spending time at the beach and in the mountains, rock climbing, dancing, and reading.
Robbi Melvi
Graduate Research Assistant
Robbi is a first-year graduate student in the Psychology M.A. program at SDSU. He is an international student from Toronto, Canada. He obtained his B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from Colby College in 2018. His research interests focus on social identity and belonging, particularly within an academic/educational context. He intends to pursue a PhD in social psychology after completing his M.A. In his free time, he enjoys working out, watching sports, playing video games, and listening to podcasts.Alisha Tang
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Alisha (she/her) is a third-year Psychology major with a double minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies and Counseling & Social Change. She plans to pursue the MFT program after obtaining her bachelor’s degree, in hopes of working with underrepresented communities. She is passionate about integrating inclusivity, as well as creating a safe space for individuals who don’t have parental guidance when it comes to the American educational system. She currently serves as the President of the Counseling and Social Change Club, as well as an Advanced Peer for the Counseling and Psychological Services. One of her favorite classes at SDSU is “Humanity’s Journey from Evil to Hope,” an honors-based course that is taught by an anthropologist, focusing on real-life atrocities. In her free time, she loves to go to the gym, thrift, attend house shows, and make music.
Aiden Sorelle
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Aiden is currently a second year Industrial/Organizational Psychology major. He participates in many organizations on campus, including the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, the Delta Beta Tau fraternity, and the Psychology club. He is interested in a career in Human Resources, specifically external consulting. His hobbies include listening to music, going to the beach, and watching sports. Aiden looks forward to learning more about psychology and human resources.
Giovanni Beltran
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Born and raised in Orange County, Giovanni Beltran is a second-year undergraduate at San Diego State University. Giovanni is currently working towards obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Leadership Studies. His research interests are focused on improving worker satisfaction in the workplace. Furthermore, he intends to continue his education and pursue a master’s Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology to explore ways to improve worker and job satisfaction. Giovanni enjoys spending time with friends, playing video games, playing board/card games, and watching TV shows.
Talaila Joy Turner
Undergraduate Research Assistant
My name is Talaila Turner, and I am currently an undergrad in my Senior year studying Psychology. I started an organization called the Black Psychology Student Organization (BPSA), to connect with other students in the field, and understand what it means to be a Black Psychologist. My goal is to use BPSA to share a flow of knowledge, and awareness, in order to create community, and a sense of belongingness in the Black Community here on campus. I am also participating in an internship called the Youth Mental Health Academy to give me hands on experience in the mental health field!Daniel Nelhams
Post Bac Research Assistant
Daniel is a post bac with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Biology, Psychology, Chemistry) from SDSU. He plans to attend physician assistant graduate school to earn his masters in physician assistant studies after his gap year working as an EMT. During his undergraduate experience he has taken many different psychology classes, but has found personality and social psychology to be the most interesting. He is most interested in educational psychology and improving learning and education in general. In his free time he enjoys basketball, snowboarding, camping, hiking, and listening to music.
Charlie Gallegos
Post Bac Research Assistant
Charlie is currently a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. He is particularly interested in social psychology, studying how social contexts influence individual and group cognition and behavior, and how perceptions lead to particular outcomes. Alongside said interest is the application of research into the real world through education, interventions, user experience, etc. He plans on graduating Spring of 2023, and to explore internship opportunities in the user experience field. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, trying new restaurants, and playing guitar.Chelsea Malicdem
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Chelsea Malicdem is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Child Development. After her undergraduate studies, she hopes to enter the psychology research field or obtain a master’s degree in psychology. In her free time, she likes going to scenic spots and foodie places, weightlifting at the gym, reading personal development books, and obsessing over The Office.Joaquin Paez Pinto
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Joaquin Paez (he/him) is a fourth year undergraduate student completing his BA in psychology. He plans to take a gap year and then pursue a master’s degree in psychology. In his free time, he loves to write songs and make music, explore the city, and spend time with his friends and family.Grace Baker
Post Bac Research Assistant
Grace is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience at SDSU. After graduation she is attending the University of North Texas for a graduate program in Kinesiology with an emphasis in psychosocial aspects of sports and exercise. This program allows her to pursue her dream of becoming a sports psychologist and studying motivation in athletes post injury. In her free time Grace likes to workout, surf, and wakeboard because she loves being very active and outside in nature.Malik Frazer
Post Bac Research Assistant
Malik is a post-bac research assistant. He graduated from San Diego State University in 2022, with a BA in Psychology. He plans to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and become a licensed physical therapist. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing basketball, watching podcasts, cooking, and creating new experiences.Sophia Kerner
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sophia Kerner is a second-year undergraduate student at SDSU majoring in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and minoring in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. After graduation, she intends to either enter the workforce to pursue a career in Human Resources or obtain a master’s degree. She is passionate about helping and collaborating with others to make sure people feel included and appreciated in the workplace environment. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, listening to music, playing sports including tennis, and going to the beach.and icon management tool for perfectionists.Noelle Sexton
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Noelle is a first year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at San Diego State University. She plans to further her education by applying to graduate schools in order to receive a doctorate in psychology. Her research interests range from social, cognitive and neuropsychological fields of study. In her free time, she enjoys baking, working out with friends, finding new coffee shops and reading.Gwen Mitrevski
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Gwen is a second year undergraduate psychology student at San Diego State University. She plans to pursue a masters in psychology and advance her education in the field. In her free time, she likes to travel, spend time with friends and family, and explore new coffee shops.
Ankita Khanna
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Ankita is a third year undergraduate student at San Diego State University majoring in Psychology and minoring in Management. After graduation, she plans on pursuing further education through a masters or PhD in psychology. In her free time, Ankita enjoys fostering animals, going on drives, and exploring new locations with her friends.Jordan Armstrong
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jordan is a second-year psychology major and prospective counseling and social change minor at San Diego State University. After graduating, she intends to pursue a master’s degree in counseling, although she’s unsure of which specialty yet. Her interests include abnormal psychology, social psychology (specifically, social facilitation and relations), conscience, and sexuality, and how they can intersect. She hopes to apply some of these interests to her future therapy practice. Outside of her education, she enjoys crochet, concerts and music, flea markets, crafting, and spending time with loved ones and stray cats.Jenna Majors
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jenna is a third year undergraduate student at San Diego State University majoring in Psychology, and minoring in Statistics, and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. After graduation, she intends to pursue a graduate degree to further her studies in psychology research and application. Outside of academics, she enjoys spending time with friends, staying active outdoors, and exploring San Diego’s best cafes.