2025-2026 BOARD












President
Kayla Nababan
4th Year - Biological Sciences, B.S. & Psychology Minor
Hai! I'm Kayla, and I'm graduating this year! Yay! I'm a Pre-Med student hoping to be a physician at CHOC in the future. My favorite memory at UCI is meeting my favorite streamer and UCI alumna, Fuslie, at Aldrich Park. My greatest wish is to be a comforting friend to anybody I meet!
I joined PSA in my first year because I needed guidance on navigating the pre-med requirements as a psychology major. There are many people in PSA pursuing different fields of psychology, so I was able to get the help I needed as a lost first year. When I became the Webmaster intern my first year, I became really close with my mentor, Boris, and formed a close-knit group of friends. This pushed me to be further involved in PSA, so I became the Social Chair in my 2nd year, the Intern Liaison in my 3rd year, and now President! I've grown so much as a student and person through PSA, and I hope to provide the same motivating environment for other UCI students!
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ UCI School of Medicine's All of Us Program
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Observer @ UCI Health Irvine Clinical Experience
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Research & Development Chair @ Student Healthcare In Practice
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Medical Assistant Volunteer @ Lestonnac Free Clinic
Vice President
Taylor Nguyen
4th Year - Psychological Sciences, B.A. & Public Health Minor
Hi, my name is Taylor! As I near graduation, I hope to land a job in clinical research to get experience before applying to Clinical Psychology PhD programs. I am interested in healthy cognitive aging, and how research in this field may be applied to develop interventions combatting neurodegenerative disease and cognitive decline. Fun fact: I signed up for my first half-marathon this year and it's Donut-Themed!
I was searching for a community of students also interested in psychology to make friends as a freshman! I wanted to learn more about what my major had to offer and PSA connected me with tons of resources that helped me discover what career path I wanted to take after graduating from UCI. I think other students would gain the same benefits I did throughout my four years, and if you're lost on what to do with your major or just want to make amazing friends, you should join as a member!
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ Emotion Lab
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Research Assistant @ Sleep and Cognition Lab
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Field Study Student Assistant @ UCI School of Social Ecology
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Honors Program in Social Ecology
Secretary
Ally JohnPress
4th Year - Psychology, B.S. & Business Administration, B.A.
Hey y'all! My name is Ally, and I'm interested in I/O Psychology as well as organizational management. I would love to receive my Master's in I/O Psychology and become an executive coach and work in leadership development. Some fun facts about me: I'm originally from Austin, Texas; I've been collecting Jellycats for over 5 years; and I've been training Krav Maga since I was 13.
I joined PSA for the welcoming and supportive community, and I am happy to say I found it. PSA is a great place to explore your interests, meet other like-minded students, and just have fun!
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ The BEAN Lab
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Honors Program in Cognitive Sciences & Psychology
Treasurer
Sharanya Upadhyay
2nd Year - Psychology B.S. & Biology Minor & Hearing and Speech Sciences Minor
My name is Sharanya Upadhyay! I am planning to pursue grad school for either Clinical Psychology or Speech Pathology. A couple fun facts about me are that I've been doing Taekwondo since I was 7 years old, and my hobbies include baking, listening to music, and re-learning guitar.
I joined PSA in order to find a community at UCI with people who are passionate about psychology like I am! I was also interested by the events and opportunities I could be exposed to through this club as a way to learn more about what I can do with my degree in the future.
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ Fortin Lab
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Active member @ UCI Taekwondo
Intern Liaison
Allison Hwang
3rd Year - Psychology, B.S. & Biological Sciences, B.S.
Hi!! I'm Allison H. Hwang! As Intern Liaison, I'm in charge of creating and directing the intern program. I'm an aspiring physician, with an interest in neurology or psychiatry. My hobbies include reading, crochet and going to the beach! If you have any questions for me about any of my activities, hobbies or the intern program, please just come up to me and I'd be happy to answer them! I love giving advice to people so feel free to ask me anything <3
I joined PSA to find more people with my same interests and found an amazing community! I love how we're a good mix of social and academic + all of the lovely people I've met through this club. I highly recommend joining PSA if you are looking to meet more of your peers and find friends in your classes! And as Intern Liaison, I also recommend joining the intern program hehe :)
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ The University Neurocognitive Imaging Lab
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Research Assistant @ The Vascular Senescene and Cognition Lab
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Peer Tutor for PSYCH 9C/PSI 11C with Dr. Zinger
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Learning Assistant for PHYSICS 3A
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Research Engagement Director @ Research Outreach at UCI
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Honors Program in Psychology
Outreach Chair
Vi Trinh
3rd Year - Psychological Sciences, B.A. & Public Health Policy, B.A.
Hi! My name is Vi, and I’m looking forward to doing all that I can to support our members’ academic and professional careers. At the heart of everything I do has always been a passion for helping others, which is why I’m setting my sights on pursuing research as a full-time career. Beyond my campus life, I find joy in spending quality time with those around me. I also love listening to music and going to concerts! Looking forward to a wonderful year.
What drew me to PSA was the chance to learn about opportunities that come with being a Psychology major, but what kept me an active member was the people around me. Not only have I found immensely rewarding research and job opportunities through this organization, but I’ve formed connections with individuals whom I consider lifelong friends. I admire the PSA’s sense of community that is consistently filled with support, laughter, and passion. These connections alone are why I encourage others to join our organization.
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ The Behavior, Emotions, Affective, Neuroscience (BEAN) Lab
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Behavioral Technician @ Lively Behavior Solutions
Webmaster
Kate Won
3rd Year - Psychological Sciences, B.A. & Management Minor
Hi, I'm Kate! I'm aiming to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Outside of school, you'll find me reading, enjoying matcha, taking photos with my friends, or playing pickleball. A fun fact: I recently read 20 books in three months, and I'm determined to keep that momentum going throughout the school year! I'm excited to connect with both new and returning PSA members, so feel free to reach out anytime!
What I love most about PSA is how it combines fun, inclusive social events with professional development opportunities like our general meetings and the annual Career Networking Fair. Whether you're looking for community, academic enrichment, or career guidance, PSA has something for you. Come check us out!
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ The PREVENT Lab
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Peer Life Coach @ UCI Counseling Center
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Vice President @ The Patient Project
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Student Assistant @ UCI Student Life and Leadership
Project Coordinator
Zoya Sheikh
3rd Year - Psychology, B.S & Biological Sciences, B.S.
Hi, my name is Zoya! I’m on the pre-med track with a special passion for psychiatry and advocating for affordable healthcare. I’m originally from Austin, Texas, and a fun fact is that I have a pet bunny named Leo back home with the biggest attitude.
When I first came to UCI, I wanted to join PSA to make friends, build connections, and grow as a psychology major. Looking back, I’m so grateful I did, I’ve made amazing memories, gained lifelong friends, and developed leadership skills that will stick with me far beyond college. PSA has also given me opportunities to learn more about the field of psychology and network with inspiring professionals. If you’re looking for community, growth, and support in your journey, PSA is the perfect place to be!
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ ACE Lab
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Pharmacy Chair @ Flying Samaritans
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Tennis @ the ARC for fun!
Community Service Chair
Katie Lo
5th Year - Psychological Sciences, B.A. & (Incoming) Education Sciences, B.A.
Hello everyone, my name is Katie, and I'm an aspiring academic and researcher with a deep interest in understanding and further uncovering how our brains work, particularly when it comes to motivation and decision-making. My ultimate goal is to work in an R1 university, where I can simultaneously conduct research and teach about psychology, perhaps even sharing my own findings! I am from the Bay Area, specifically Fremont, and one fun fact about me is that I made matcha strawberry tiramisu for Valentine's Day last year!
When I first joined PSA, my main goal was to gain more helpful resources that could benefit me in navigating UCI as a psychology major. However, once I joined and stayed for the events, I was pleasantly surprised by its amazing community. I was able to form many close friendships with other like-minded people who have similar interests and career aspirations. I believe that everyone, regardless of their major, should consider joining for the invaluable academic resources, professional insights, and meaningful connections you can make!
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ Hindsight Bias Lab with Dr. Şule Güney
Marketing Chair
Jina Suhr
3rd Year - Psychology B.S. & Management Minor
Hi everyone, my name is Jina! I was born in New York, but I moved a lot, so Irvine is the fifth city I've lived in. A fun fact about me is that I am a huge soccer fan, so you'll often find me watching or talking about it. Besides that, I love yapping with friends, listening to music, or watching F1. After graduation, I hope to work in the sports industry, focusing in marketing, communications, or game operations. Excited to meet everyone this year!
I joined PSA freshman year as an intern, and it has been an incredible experience. PSA has given me countless opportunities to learn and grow. I first discovered my interest in marketing through my role as a digital marketing intern, and my passion has only grown since then. I’ve also loved seeing the diversity of Psychology through my interactions with other members, which motivates me to explore new opportunities. Joining PSA is a fantastic way to explore your interests and connect with a supportive community!
Other Involvements
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Sports Marketing Intern @ UCI Athletics
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Research Assistant @ STEP Lab
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Game Night Crew @ Los Angeles Football Club
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Business Development Manager @ Chukguin INC.
Marketing Chair
Ivan Barajas
4th Year - Psychology, B.S. & Education Sciences, B.A.
Hi my name is Ivan and I’m hoping to meet a lot of new members this year! I’m currently set on going to graduate school and getting my masters in social work and eventually becoming a licensed Clinical Social Worker! My fun fact is that I have a whole family of frenchies at home!
I joined PSA to find a community within others in Psychology and I was able to find so many friends! Also because Psychology is such a broad field, I wanted to get a better idea of what I wanted to do with my degree. If you have similar questions I believe that PSA is a great place to discover similar like-minded friends and future psych career paths.
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ the Development, Disorder, and Delinquency Lab (D3 Lab)
Social Chair
Anvi Satpathy
2nd Year - Psychological Sciences, B.A. & Medical Humanities Minor
Hi! I'm Anvi and I'm so excited to be your social chair this year! After college, I plan to get my master's and hopefully Psy.D. to fulfill my career path as a child psychologist. I currently work with kids and always have! Being a psychologist has always been a dream of mine and I really hope to achieve it one day. A fun fact about me is I don’t know how to swim but love the beach and water!
I personally joined PSA because I wanted to be more involved with psychology and meet like-minded individuals who help me strive towards being a better student. Coming into UCI, I didn’t meet a lot of psychology majors, but PSA has brought me to a great group of students who are driven and hardworking but also know how to have a good time. Last year, I was scared to branch out, but I'm so glad I did and ended up here! Super excited to meet all the new people as well!
Other Involvements
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Research Assistant @ TCS Research Lab
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PR chair @ ISC
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Affiliated @ Alpha Chi Omega




