SSI-VR Lab
Our Team
Principal Investigator
Valerie Jones Taylor, Ph.D.
My research areas include intergroup relations, stereotype/social identity threat, stereotyping and discrimination, cultural psychology, and applications of VR/AR/XR technologies. Broadly, I investigate how social identity, stereotyping, and prejudice affect underrepresented groups' academic and workplace performance and experiences, interracial interactions, and the treatment of racialized physical spaces and social justice education and collective action. I also examine virtual reality as an antiracism tool to reduce bias and systemic racism in individuals, interracial interactions, and institutions. Email: vj.taylor@rutgers.edu
​
Outside of work, I love to read, listen to audiobooks, reminisce about my glory days of writing poetry and performing spoken word, and hang out/goof off with my husband, adorable kids, and fluffy little dog Marshmallow.
Postdoctoral Researchers
Chelsea Allen, Ph.D.
I earned my BSW and MSW from the University of South Carolina and a Ph.D. in Social Work from Columbia University, where I also became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Growing up in the deep South as the daughter of a social worker, I developed an early understanding of how systemic oppression shapes mental health outcomes. My research bridges social work, psychology, and digital studies to explore how Black women use emerging technologies such as social media and virtual reality to support self-care, wellness, and collective healing. A central focus of my work is how digital tools can be leveraged to provide culturally congruent care for historically marginalized communities. I am also interested in how collective trauma, particularly as it stems from structural oppression, continues to influence health and social outcomes in Black communities.
​
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, wandering around the city, listening to true crime podcasts, watching documentaries and movies, reading, and trying new foods.
Jared Cutler, Ph.D.
I earned an M.A. in Psychology from Northern Arizona University in 2019, and a doctorate in Applied Psychology from Portland State University in Spring of 2024. My dissertation investigated which forms of meditation practices and types of individuals may benefit most (and potentially be harmed by) mindfulness interventions to reduce prejudice. Generally, my program of research seeks to better understand and, ultimately, alleviate prejudice and discrimination using mindfulness meditation. Additionally, I am interested in contextual approaches of conceptualizing implicit associations and am currently investigating the relationships between different components of gender context diversity and implicit gender-career stereotyping within regions. I am also enthusiastic about open science, teaching, and learning new quantitative analyses!
​
Outside of work, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee, reading, and listening to podcasts.
TuÄŸba Metinyurt, Ph.D.
I'm a social psychologist specializing in developing and evaluating evidence-based interventions to promote equitable and inclusive organizations. Employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, my research examines the manifestation of microaggressions experienced by individuals occupying traditionally marginalized social identities and aims to prevent bias through active bystander approaches. A focus of my work is to understand the factors that influence bystander behavior in the context of subtle expressions of bias in the workplace, with the goal of informing evidence-based intervention programs for reducing bias. Additionally, my research involves the development, and the evaluation of workplace interventions designed to improve climate for women in STEM fields. In addition to my research, I have been involved in evaluating programs offered in community-based organizations that support disadvantaged communities.
In my spare time, I enjoy acrylic painting, listening to podcasts, hiking to scenic locations, and discovering hidden culinary gems.
Graduate Students
Tamara Franklin, M.A.
Graduate Student
I am a doctoral student in the Social Psychology Ph.D. program at Rutgers University and work in the Stereotyping & Social Interactions & Virtual Reality (SSI-VR) Lab. I received my B.A. and M.A. in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento, where I researched intergroup relations, ethnic identity, and implicit biases. My current research examines social identity threat, specifically how members of racially/ethnically minoritized groups respond to witnessing stereotype-confirming behavior in interracial interactions. I also study how stereotypes and biases affect interracial interactions in virtual reality. My larger research interests include racial stereotypes and biases, ethnic identity, and social influences and how these factors affect intergroup relations.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing tennis, exploring my neighborhood, and spending time with my cat, Leo!
Sandra Manfreda, M.S.
Graduate Student
I am a third-year graduate student in the Social Psychology PhD program at Rutgers University. Across two lines of work, my research explores factors that promote or dissuade intergroup contact. My first line of research focuses on creating more inclusive STEM environments for women, with the aim of addressing their underrepresentation in the field. In my second line of research, I investigate behavioral and interpersonal processes in interracial interactions including relational safety cues, disclosure-responsiveness processes, and nonverbal manifestations of discrimination. Outside of research, I enjoy being a SPINNING instructor, reading and spending time with my friends and family.
Mariah T Lutchman, M.S.
Graduate Student (Affiliate)
I am a graduate student in the Social Psychology Ph.D. program at Rutgers University. I received my BA in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Broadly, I am interested in studying racial disparities within the Criminal Justice System. Specifically, I am interested in the effects of institutional racism on those who are disproportionately affected. This involves studying the health outcomes of Black people and the effect of institutional racism on our interpersonal interactions. Lastly, I am interested in identifying areas of reform for the Criminal Justice System and its associated structures.
I am originally from Queens, New York and in my free time, I enjoy watching horror, thriller and scary movies. I am also a self-taught nail artist and regularly paint the nails of myself, family and friends.
Brianna Clark, M.S.
Graduate Student (Affiliate)
I'm a Master of Applied Psychology student at Rutgers University! My interests regarding research include the influence of intergroup interactions on cognitions, emotions, behaviors, and health outcomes in diverse populations. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on walks with my dog Tucker, and watching the Summer I Turned Pretty with my twin sister!
Brandon Georges, M.S.
Graduate Student (Affiliate)
I am a Masters student at the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. During Undergraduate I conducted research on heuristics and their impact on racial bias. In the future I am interested in conducting more research on the role of heuristic processing in prejudice behavior.
I was born and raised in Franklin Township here in central New Jersey. In my spare time I like to read classic novels, watch prestige tv, and play basketball.
Lab Managers
Sakshi Malaviya
I am a UX designer with a Master’s degree from Rutgers University. With a background in UX design, Psychology, and Biology, I approach design challenges with a deep curiosity for human behavior and a strong foundation in research and problem-solving. My work is driven by a passion for creating user-centered, accessible, and sustainable digital experiences. I am particularly interested in exploring how thoughtful design can improve the usability and inclusivity of products across diverse populations. My goal is to advance as a user researcher, contributing to top companies by translating human insights into impactful, intuitive, and equitable design solutions.
​
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places with friends, immersing myself in creative storytelling, and discovering new food.
Kayla Jenkins
I recently graduated from Rutgers University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Education. I am deeply passionate about promoting and providing equal access to mental healthcare for children and families in underserved and minoritized communities. My academic and professional interests are exploring interracial interactions and the exchange of different cultural backgrounds, varying cultural experiences, and social identities. I have a long-term goal of becoming a child psychologist, addressing the emotional and developmental needs of youth, particularly from a marginalized background. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, baking, reading, and exploring walkable cities with my friends and family.
Undergraduate RAs
Psych Team
Sahana Vaidya
Hi! I’m Sahana Vaidya, an undergraduate student studying Psychology and English at Rutgers, New Brunswick. My research interests involve racial bias, interracial interactions, and how technology such as VR or imaging tools can reduce stereotyping. In my free time, I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and spending time with my family and friends.
Imeerah Bakr
Hi! I'm Imeerah Bakr and I am an undergraduate psychology student at Rutgers. I am also minoring in Africana Studies. I am mostly interested in researching the ways systemic inequality, discrimination, etc. impact mental health in minority communities. My career goal is to become a clinical psychologist. In my free time I enjoy singing in choirs, reading, and cooking.
Roxana Mendoza
Hi! I'm Roxana Mendoza, an undergraduate student with a Psychology major at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. I'm passionate about exploring how an individual's mental health influences their functionality and academic success, particularly in relation to interracial interactions with people of diverse identities. In the future, I aim to engage in community outreach programs after completing a doctoral program in speech-language pathology. Outside of academics, I love discovering new cafes and bonding with my two sisters over our shared love for One Piece!
Vanessa Hernandez
Hello! My name is Vanessa, and I am an undergraduate Psychology student at Rutgers University. My research interests include mental health, prejudice, and improving racial interactions through virtual reality. I aspire to become a clinical psychologist in the future and work with vulnerable populations. In my free time, I love reading, hiking, and listening to music.
Gabby Nash
Hi! My name is Gabby Nash and I am an undergraduate student at Swarthmore College, double majoring in Psychology and Dance. I plan on attending graduate school in the future and pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology. My research interests are focused on interracial relations and how stereotypes can affect interactions between individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Also, the use of virtual reality within the lab adds another layer of interesting outcomes that may arise while conducting research. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, reading books, and watching figure skating.
Echo Dong
Hello! I'm an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. I am interested in the ways people think and the process of their thinking especially in interracial, LGBTQ, and gender interactions. I want to know what led up to their way of thinking, whether it was through surrounding factors or the way they grew up. In my free time I like to read, crochet, dance, and spend time with friends.
Sophia Seiden
I am an undergraduate student majoring in psychology at Rutgers University! After my undergraduate, I plan to go to graduate school to further my education, and I hope to one day work with children in a school as a counselor. Here at Rutgers, I am involved in my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, and in my free time I enjoy exercising, spending time with my friends, and cooking
Avani Jones
Hi! I’m Avani, a Psychology and Cognitive Science double major with a Sociology minor at Rutgers University Honors College in New Brunswick. I’m passionate about understanding how race, gender, and identity shape people’s experiences, and I’m excited about the lab’s use of virtual reality to reduce bias and systemic racism. In the future, I hope to become a clinical neuropsychologist and open a mental health facility to serve underrepresented communities. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing basketball and volunteering
Dana Dillard
Hi! My name is Dana Dillard and I am currently a senior Psychology major with a minor in Women's Gender and Sexuality studies. My research interests are about exploring the intersection between gender and sexuality and how interpersonal relationships and identity development are influenced by those factors. In the future I hope to obtain a higher education and begin working in academia, or in community outreach programs to help create and/or connect disenfranchised people to resources and opportunities.
Kara Chin
Hi there! As an incoming senior at Rutgers with a double major of cognitive science and sociology, I am so excited to be an RA for the Taylor lab. My academic interest in the lab mainly stems from my sociology background, developing empirical psychological evidence behind things like prejudice and racism is absolutely fascinating to me. I hope to bring this experience and passion with me to medical school and onwards to a career of psychiatry. Outside of school though, I love to bake, cook, write (bad) poetry, and play video games.
Coding Team
Anant Gupta
I’m an undergraduate at Rutgers University, double majoring in Computer Science and Data Science. My academic interests lie in artificial intelligence and natural language processing, with a focus on how technology can model and enhance human cognition. I enjoy building tools and writing code to tackle challenges at the intersection of people and computation. Outside of academics, I like playing guitar, competing in table tennis, and spending time with friends.
Audrey Shin
I’m an undergraduate at Rutgers University, double majoring in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. I’m particularly interested in understanding how the mind works and how we can emulate cognitive processes through technology. I enjoy building tools and writing code to solve problems at the intersection of human behavior and computation. Outside of academics, I like to read, play tennis, practice yoga, and design websites.
Iris Wang
I am an undergraduate at Rutgers University double majoring in Computer Science and Cognitive Science with a minor in Philosophy. I have a great interest in how people perceive, understand, and retain information in all sorts of contexts, but especially with creative works and interactive mediums like video games. My passion for this research comes from my interest in the way behavior can be evoked and influenced through the use of virtual environments. During my downtime, I enjoy writing short stories and designing video games.
Sofia Wolfel
Hi! I'm an undergraduate student at Rutgers University, double majoring in Computer Science and ITI. I'm also a designer passionate about solving problems through various forms of media, including UI/UX, graphic design, and animation. My research interests lie in better understanding human behavior, especially in interracial environments, and exploring how tools like VR simulations can influence stereotyping interactions. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, dancing, and spending time with my loved ones.
Team Photos
Lab Alumni
Check out our amazing lab alumni here.