I'm Dr. Louis, she/her, a social psychologist studying the intertwined relationships among health, the self, others, and social contexts.

Prior to joining Boston College, I received my PhD in Social Psychology from Stanford University where I worked with Dr. Alia Crum and Dr. Hazel Markus. I also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Skidmore College and worked as a lab manager in Dr. Sapna Cheryan’s research lab at the University of Washington. 

In my leisure time, you can find me immersed in books, enjoying the captivating world of sci-fi shows, dancing, and daydreaming about the delights of Caribbean cuisine.

Hey! My name is Sadé, she/her, pronounced (sha-day) and I’m the lab manager for the SHIC lab. Originally from New York, I graduated from Colby College in Spring 2024 with a B.A. in Psychology. My general research interests focus on the African diaspora, both locally and globally, with a particular emphasis on the Afro-Caribbean experience, including exploring interventions related to Caribbean immigrants’ sense of belonging, attachment style development, and addressing psychological outcomes of migration. I aspire to obtain a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. that explores the intersection of trauma work, developmental theories, cultural influences, and social psychology.

Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my brothers, cooking, listening to podcasts, and exploring foodie endeavors. I also serve as a corresponding secretary for the BFSAA affinity group on campus.

Feel free to reach out via email if you’d like to chat or connect! :)

Oluwatobi “Tobi” Abubakare is a social psychology PhD student at Boston College, working in the labs of Dr. Kengthsagn Louis and Dr. Ed-Dee Williams. Currently, their research interests are in identity, social cognition, culture, and health to better understand social communication and health inequities in autism. Much of their research interests are influenced by their experiences as a Black autistic disabled Nigerian immigrant who grew up in the vibrant low-income neighborhood of Southwest Alief (Houston) Texas. Tobi’s research has been recognized and funded by various organizations including the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and Spectrum. Outside of research, Tobi can be found performing their violin with the Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra and local ensembles, spreading their love of music to everyone.

Will's research examines the affective and motivational processes that explain how people navigate challenging situations, like giving and receiving bad news (e.g., about one's health), with a particular focus on leverageable processes that might help reduce health disparities. Before joining Dr. Kengthsagn Louis's lab, Will worked with Dr. Jennifer L. Howell at the University of California, Merced, where he completed his doctoral training, and with Dr. Kathryn Oleson at Reed College, where he completed his undergraduate studies in psychology and cross-cultural studies, and has previously worked as a mental health practitioner before continuing his career in academia. He is additionally part of the research team at Project Implicit Health and co-chairs the Disability Advocacy Research Network's Research Group.

My name is Sarah Wiederman, she/her, and I am a research assistant in the SHIC lab. I am a senior at BC pursuing a BS in Psychology. I have had the chance to explore areas of developmental psychology within the Cooperation Lab at BC and now health psychology here at the SHIC lab. These experiences have fueled my interest in understanding how thought processes, decision-making, and reasoning evolve across the lifespan. I am curious how different belief systems, such as individuals’ perceptions of their health, political views, environmental reasonings, etc, shape their attitudes toward collective solutions and conversations. On campus, I am also involved with the Boston College Symphony Orchestra and Word of Mouth Club!

Jasmine Maturana, she/her, is an Undergraduate Research Fellow in the SHIC lab. She is a Neuroscience major at Boston College. Her research interests include learning how certain parts of a person's background affects their social flexibility and health behavior in different contexts. Some of her hobbies include crafting, reading, dancing, and language learning.

Sarah McNickle, she/her, is a junior research assistant majoring in psychology and history. She is especially interested in researching how social structures affect our health care systems. As well as, interventions on mitigating bias and discrimination in healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys playing rugby and rock climbing.

Dave Nelson, he/him, is a pre-med junior research assistant majoring in psychology and film studies. His research interests include mental health, public health, and health policy. During his free time, he enjoys photography and biking.

Hi! My name is Annahita Riazi, I'm a junior, and my pronouns are she/hers. I am majoring in neuroscience and on the pre-med track. I am a research assistant in the SHIC lab, and my primary research interests are in how culture and bilingualism may subconsciously play a role in social interactions. Some of my hobbies are going on hikes, reading, and exploring new places! 

Mai (he/him) is an Undergraduate Research Assistant at Boston College. He is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Finance. His research interests center on enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health interventions and therapeutic approaches for marginalized communities. Outside the lab, he is on the BC Men's Tennis team and enjoys photography and board games. 

Hello, my name is Azul Wilson and I use she/her/hers pronouns. My major is Neuroscience/Computer Science and I am a junior at Boston College. My research interests in the lab are the Black Model Minority Myth and how it affects Black Americans, African immigrants, and Afro-Caribbean Immigrants. In my free time I love to make art, specifically sketching and using oil pastels. I also love sitting in a little corner and reading Sci-Fi and horror books. 

Angel (Junya) Wang, she/her, is a junior Psychology major and Management Minor at Boston College. She’s currently working as an Undergraduate Research Fellow in the SHIC lab. Her research interests lay in how cultural backgrounds affect their future social perceptions, such as their definitions of success or beliefs in love. Outside of class and the lab, she loves oil painting, reading horror and fantasy, writing fiction, and making polymer play earrings.

Emily Barnabas, she/her, is a senior research assistant and thesis student majoring in neuroscience and minoring in medical humanities.

- Educational background: Emily has enjoyed exploring a variety of public health courses as a Medical Humanities minor. She seeks opportunities in which she can practicalize her studies in psychology and neuroscience to improve the well-being of others.

- Research interests: Emily's research seeks to understand whether art integration in the medical context, in the form of art-making and art engagement, has a significant effect on patient comfort, self-presentation, and patient-provider vulnerability. Additionally, she has research interests in the fields of ethnopsychiatry and medical anthropology.

- Hobbies: Emily likes to be out and about: traveling, trying new restaurants and cafes, and being outside are her favorite pastimes. She also loves art (on campus, she is a member of Masti and works at the McMullen Museum)! 

Lowanda (she/her) is a senior majoring in Psychology and possibly minoring in Linguistics.  She is interested in studying how culture and close relationships can influence how people think about themselves, their futures, and impact the actions or decisions they make. Outside of psychology, Lowanda enjoys learning about language, watching movies, going out to new restaurants and crocheting.

My name is Sophie van Leeuwen, she/her, and I am a research assistant in the SHIC lab. I am a graduate student pursuing an M.A in Mental Health Counseling. My research interests include the intersection between politics and psychology, particularly how political structures, policies, and cultural narratives influence individual mental health and collective behavior. In my free time, I enjoy running marathons, reading, and listening to podcasts. 

My name is Rose Dieujuste, she/her, and I am a research assistant in the SHIC Lab. I am a junior majoring in Accounting, minoring in Sociology. My research interests include learning about one's culture and how it can affect their way of thinking about themselves and decision-making. In my free time, I enjoy singing, watching movies, and reading.

My name is Oliver, he/him, and I was an undergraduate research assistant at the SHIC lab for two semesters! I graduated in the spring of 2025 with a Bachelor's in neuroscience, Islamic Civilization, and Biology. In the laboratory, I was interested in the intersection between mind and health as well as the neurobiological basis for this connection. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and listening to music.

Hey! My name is Elizabeth Pellini and my pronouns are she/her. I am a rising junior at Boston College and am majoring in Psychology. I am going to be a research assistant this summer at the SHIC lab and am very interested in how cognitive and physical disabilities affect mental health, as well as how immigration experiences (displacement, family separation, legal status) impact psychological well-being. In my free time, I enjoy playing softball, rock climbing, and doing photography.