Principal Investigator
Our team of researchers is making important discoveries in our area of focus. While everyone is working in their particular field, our collaborative research lab means that we are all working towards a common goal. Read on to find out more.
Principal Investigator/ Assistant Professor
Zachary Reese
Zach received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Goucher College in 2016 and his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan in 2022. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of San Francisco where he directs the Love and Communication Lab and teaches courses including Research Design, Writing in Psychology, Social Psychology, African-American Psychology, and Psychology of Competition & Gaming. Additionally, he serves as an organizer for the Moment to Movement: Anti-Racist Pedagogy Series and a member of the board for the African-American Studies Minor. Zach is a husband, a son, a musician, and an avid gamer - order may vary.
Current Members
Our team of researchers are making important discoveries in Social Psychology.
Lab Manager
Mya Lopez
Hi! My name is Mya Lopez! My major is Psychology and I have a minor in dance and child and youth studies. After graduation I plan to take a 2 year gap year while I prepare to head to medical school. Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing, crafting, and research.
Research Assistant
Kira Alberti
Kira is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. and a career as a professor in Cognitive Neuroscience. Her academic interests center around the structure of the brain and how it shapes our daily interactions and relationships. Outside of the lab, Kira is actively involved on campus as an athletics tutor, scorekeeper, assistant teacher, and Treasurer of the Women in Psychology Club. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, attending trivia nights, writing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Research Assistant
Ethan Wong
Greetings, I’m Ethan Wong/黄思博, and I’m a Psychology Major and Philosophy Minor. My postgraduate plans are to pursue a Master's degree in a therapy-related field, and subsequently apply to a PsyD program to become a Clinical Psychologist. Outside of the lab, my hobbies can be categorized into two groups: intellectual (Psychology, Philosophy, and Political Science, etc.) and recreational (Video Games, Pop Culture, and Martial Arts, etc.).
Research Assistant
Karolyn Ann Muncada
Hi! My name is Karolyn Ann Muncada! My major is Psychology, and I have a minor in Philosophy. After graduation, I plan to get a masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in substance abuse/addiction rehabilitation. Outside of the lab, I enjoy trying new hiking trails, exploring beyond the Bay Area, and taking advantage of free events in the city!
Research Assistant
Stacy Cardenas
Hi! My name is Stacy Cardenas! I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in Philosophy. After graduating I plan to work as a clinical psychologist. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going for drives with music blasting, hanging out with friends and going dancing, and going on walks.
Research Assistant
Francelle Deray
Hi! My name is Francelle Deray. My major is Psychology, and I have a minor in Fine Arts. After graduation, I plan to work with more mental health non-profit organizations and become more involved in the community, gaining further experience in the field. Also, I plan to get my master’s degree in Clinical Art Therapy. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing video games, making art (drawing, painting, and ceramics), and exploring the city.
Research Assistant
Serena D'souza
Hi! My name is Serena D’souza! My major is Psychology and my minors are Criminal Justice Studies and Journalism. After graduation I plan to pursue either family law or forensic psychology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy jewelry making, dissecting film and collage making.
Research Assistant
Rishi Katariya
Rishi is a senior majoring in Psychology, hoping to attain an MFT or PsyD to start a clinical practice. He is interested in relationship dynamics and bond formation and hopes to attain enough research experience to apply his knowledge in a clinical setting. In his free time Rishi enjoys watching horror movies, hiking, reading, and playing the guitar.
Research Assistant
Cole Williamson
Hi! My name is Cole Williamson! My majors are Psychology and Political Science with minors in Legal Studies and Public Policy. After graduation I plan to get a doctorate degree in political psychology and then go to law school. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading new books and playing the guitar.
Research Assistant
Cadence Becker
Hi! My name is Cadence Becker! My major is psychology. After graduation I plan to go to grad school and continue my studies in psychology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, painting, and exercising.