Meet the RAICES Lab Team
Dr. La Barrie
RAICES Lab Director
Dr. Dominique L. La Barrie is a developmental psychologist whose research focuses on ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) and its role in shaping the well-being of Black and Latinx youth. She examines how parents, families, and other important figures support resilience and identity development through ERS, particularly in the context of stressful life experiences. Her work aims to advance culturally grounded science that highlights strengths and informs practices to support thriving among diverse youth and families.
Neda Pazuki
Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant
Neda M. Pazuki brings a multidisciplinary background in neuroscience, healthcare, and community education to her work. She is passionate about culturally responsive research that supports youth and families as they navigate adversity. With a strong foundation in clinical and developmental science, Neda is committed to advancing her education to further contribute to inclusive, equity-driven research and practice.
Cathryn Colbow
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Cathryn Colbow is a sophomore at Virginia Tech with Colombian heritage, majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in French for Sciences. As a pre-med student, she aspires to become a cardiothoracic surgeon and is passionate about combining clinical care, research, and community engagement to improve patient outcomes. Her interests center around health, developmental science, and supporting diverse and underserved populations. Cathryn will serve the next term as president of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA+), where she helps foster community, mentorship, and opportunities for Latinx students interested in healthcare and medicine. Cathryn has research experience through her work at Orion LLC, where she contributed to projects on eDNA and antibiotic resistance. She also brings clinical and mentorship experience through her work as a Life Skills Trainer for patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and as a mentor for Latinx high school students in the Primeros Pasos program. Outside of academics and research, Cathryn enjoys volunteering, community outreach, and working in collaborative environments.
Lee Kersey
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Lee is a sophomore with a double major in psychology and human development whose interests lie in marginalized communities and how our environment and socioeconomic factors impact our development. They are passionate about giving back to underrepresented communities and is involved in a variety of organizations pertaining to the queer community in Southwest Virginia. They hope to continue their education via a developmental psychology graduate program.
Erin Lash
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Erin is a junior at Virginia Tech, majoring in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Adaptive Brain and Behavior. Her long-term goal is to earn a Master of Social Work. Outside of academics, she enjoys volunteering at the animal shelter.
Melissa Viso
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Melissa is a fourth-year Psychology student with a minor in Adaptive Brain and Behavior. She is passionate about health psychology, human behavior, and well-being, and is particularly interested in how cultural, socioeconomic, and household factors shape individuals’ growth, learning, and personality. Through her academic and research experiences, Melissa hopes to better understand the factors that influence human development and well-being and ultimately use this knowledge to help others. Outside of her academic interests, she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and trying different foods and cuisines.
Crystal Santacruz-Sanchez
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Crystal Santacruz-Sanchez is a second year at Virginia Tech majoring in Sociology and Human Development. Her interests that she has recently found include family relationships, and she hopes to work in similar areas in the future. Outside of school, Crystal enjoys watching drama shows and trying ice matcha lattes from different places!
Lab Alumi
- Allera Bee, B.S. - Undergraduate Research Assistant & Peer Mentor
- Anna Dubreuil - Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Cindy Argueta - Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant
