Current Members

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, and African-American Psychology. 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.

Our team of researchers are making important discoveries in Social Psychology. Read on to learn about our current lab members.

Research Assistant

Renee Thomas

Renée is a senior double majoring in Cognitive Science, and UX design, and minoring in computer science. She is interested in Sibling relationships and comparison. She is in Konnect, a school dance team, Michigan in Color, a student-led newspaper for people of color, as a graphic artist, and Alpha Theta Delta, a professional fraternity for design. In her free time, she enjoys drawing comics digitally, dancing, and spending time with her dog.

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Research Assistant

Natalie Gonzalez

Natalie is a senior majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Child and Youth Studies and Public Service and Community Engagement. She is involved in the Future Clinitian's Association as the Director of External Affairs and as a Teacher's Assistant for various psychology classes. She is also the social media manager for the Love and Communication Lab. Natalie plans on getting her Master’s degree after postgrad and becoming a therapist. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, creating videos, and crocheting.

Research Assistant

Hayley Blonstein

Hayley is finishing up her double major in Design and Psychology. Fascinated by identity and interpersonal relationships, as well as the forces that shape both, her work is driven by a desire to connect with people in small, meaningful ways. You can view her portfolio at hayleyblonstein.com.

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Research Assistant

Mya Lopez

In progress

Research Assistant

Kira Alberti

In progress

Research Assistant

Karolyn Ann Muncada

In progress

Research Assistant

Ethan Wong

In progress

Alumni