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. I am currently the recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER award to examine VR interventions to reduce systemic bias and improve interracial interactions in STEM. Email: vj.taylor@rutgers.edu
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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 and adorable kids.
Postdoctoral Researchers
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!
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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
Graduate Student
I am a second-year graduate student in the Social Psychology PhD program at Rutgers University. Broadly, my research is centered around social identity threat and intergroup contact. I have two main lines of work that explore these interests. In one line of work, I examine how meta-stereotypes held by different racial (e.g., White, Black) and social groups (e.g., women in STEM) function as potential obstacles to positive intergroup and intragroup interactions. In a second line of work, I investigate several processes in interracial interactions. Specifically, I examine various forms of self-disclosure and their implications for cross-race friendships and also how non-verbal behaviors can shape perceptions within interracial interactions.
Outside of research, I enjoy being outdoors, knitting, and spending time with my friends and family.
Mariah T Lutchman, M.A.
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.
Lab Manager
Suliarys Contreras
I am the Pre-Doctoral Research Associate and Lab Manager for the SSI-VR lab. I received my A.A. from Lehigh Carbon Community College, and my B.A. in Psychology from Bucknell Universty. I am interested in understanding social stratification and examining how key social identities (e.g., race, gender, and socioeconomic class) lead to differences in intra- and intergroup contact, empathy, and equity. Specifically, I seek to identify the underlying psychological processes in minoritized individuals' interaction with ingroup and outgroup members and their downstream consequences.
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Outside of work, I love finding new recipes to cook, writing poetry, and playing Fortnite.
Undergraduate RAs
Psych Team
Brianna Clark
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at Rutgers University. My interests regarding research include implicit biases present during interracial interactions and how racial prejudice, in person and in virtual reality, can impact an individual's mental health. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading young adult fiction books, and watching reality television series with my twin sister!
Kayla Jenkins
My name is Kayla Jenkins, I am a psychology major and cognitive science minor. I am interested in interracial interactions and the exchange of different backgrounds , varying cultural experiences , and social identities. After undergraduate, I’m looking forward to furthering my education in marriage and family counseling.
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
Coding Team
Bhanu Teja
I am pursuing a Master’s in Business and Science (MBS) with a specialization in User Experience Design at Rutgers University. My journey as a multidisciplinary designer is shaped by the intersection of architecture, design, psychology, research, and technology, enabling me to craft innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate creativity and functionality. This unique combination of skills equips me to tackle complex design challenges across various platforms through user-centered and research-driven approaches. I firmly believe that design is not just an art form; it’s about crafting solutions to real-world problems.
Sakshi Malaviya
I am a Master’s student at Rutgers University with a concentration in UX design. I’m a UX designer navigating through problems & challenges by crafting creative solutions grounded in deep understanding of user needs. With a background in UX design, Psychology, and Biology, I bring a unique perspective to design principles that allows me to apply my strong foundation in problem-solving and research, to all aspects of my designs.
Team Photos
Lab Alumni
Check out our amazing lab alumni here.