Lab Director

Assistant Professor, Psychology

Lab Manager

B.A. Psychology

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Hello! My name is Citlali Montes, and I am a senior Psychology major at Cal State LA and the current Lab Manager in the Legal Attitudes Lab. In the lab, I have contributed to projects examining juror decision making in both criminal and civil cases. More broadly, my research interests include jury decision making, bias in the courtroom, witness credibility, and improving perceptions of child witnesses through better child interviewing protocols. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology to continue conducting research, contribute to improved legal practices, and eventually work as a jury consultant and expert witness. Outside of academics, I enjoy painting and spending time with my three cats.

Graduate Research Assistant

M.S. Forensic Psychology​​

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Hello everyone! My name is Ashley and I am a second-year master’s student in the Forensic Psychology M.S. program and a research assistant in the Legal Attitudes Lab. I recently completed my B.A in psychology with a minor in criminal justice at CSUB. My research interests include how expert witness use of visual aids in the courtroom can influence jury decision-making in civil cases. Additionally, I hope to expand my future research to examine how mental health may impact adolescent interactions with the juvenile justice system. In my academic journey, I am aiming to become a forensic psychologist, working with individuals in the juvenile justice system. 

Graduate Research Assistant

M.S. Forensic Psychology​​

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Hello, my name is Blanca Henriquez and I am a second year graduate student in the M.S Forensic Psychology program. I earned my bachelor's degree at the University of California, Los Angeles in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies. My current research interest focuses on post-migration experiences of immigrants who have trauma, PSTD, and/or torture vicitms. My career goal is to become a clinical psychologist and research how culturally responsive approaches can support immigrant mental health and resilience. Some interesting facts about me are that I love Muay thai and I have 3 cats and 1 dog!

Undergraduate Research Assistant

B.A. Psychology​

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Hello! My name is Gabriel Bejar, and I’m a Senior undergrad at CSULA! I currently aim to obtain my bachelor’s degree in psychology and hope to move into the master’s program in forensic psychology offered here at CSULA. My research interests are anything within the setting of the law and its psychological aspects which I feel are often overlooked in practice out in the real world. I hope to take these lessons and knowledge and be able to fix that issue on as many levels as possible. When I’m not working here, I enjoy playing video games, lifting weights, and bothering my cat, Jack!