MECA Lab Team

Meet the students and researchers at the Mindfulness Engagement and Cultural Adaptation (MECA) Lab.

First Year Scholars & Research Assistants

Monica Obialor

Research Assistant

Monica is a research assistant and First Year Scholar in the MECA lab, examining the interpretation and susceptibility of Latino and Black college students on mindfulness training. Monica is hoping to apply her research experience to discovering clinical options and medicinal routes to treat the early signs of schizophrenia.

Isabelle Wilkens

Student Research Assistant

Isabelle is a student Research Assistant in the MECA lab, examining the perspectives of Black and Latino students on the adaptation of MBIs for cultural consistency. Isabelle is hoping to apply to summer internship programs in the upcoming 2026 year to continue building experience in researching mental health.

Brooklynn Wolfe

First Year Scholar

Brooklynn is a First Year Scholar in the MECA lab, examining the effects of perceptions on digital self-help mindfulness interventions. Brooklynn is hoping to apply to Clinical Psychology programs in the 2029 cycle to continue using evidence-based practices to provide various treatments to manage issues such as depression or anxiety.

Carolina Espinoza

First Year Scholar

Carolina is a First Year Scholar examining Perceptions and Predictors of Digital Self-Help Mindfulness Interventions. Carolina is hoping to apply to future Counseling and Clinical Psychology programs to continue researching to give back to the community.

Kirah Shepard

First Year Scholar

Kirah Shepard is a First-Year-Scholar in the MECA lab and is examining the effects of perceptions on digital self-help mindfulness interventions. Kirah plans to apply to Clinical Psychology programs in the 2029 cycle and aims to provide evidence-based mental health care to diverse populations.

Mia Loarca-Rodriguez

Research Assistant

Mia Loarca-Rodriguez is a research assistant in the MECA lab and is examining the perspective of Latino students on the adaptation of MBIs for cultural consistency. Mia is an aspiring medical doctor for children and families and hoping to provide healthcare to underserved communities as well as advocating for mental health.

Andrew Ammons

Student Research Assistant

Andrew (Drew) is a student research assistant in the MECA Lab and is examining how dispositional envy contributes to depression and anxiety, as well as whether mindfulness and self-compassion buffer these effects. Andrew is hoping to apply to Clinical Psychology programs in the upcoming 2026 cycle and looks forward to exploring research in his future.