Alex is a senior at Hunter College majoring in Health Psychology. She is also a member of the Thomas Hunter Honors Program, with a mini concentration in Philosophy and a minor in Spanish. She is interested in integrating a more holistic approach into biomedical practice which will enhance healthcare, lifestyle, and overall well-being. While at the CHiC Lab, she is eager to acquire invaluable research skills, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data that will allow for patient-oriented insights. Alex plans to go on to graduate school and pursue a PhD in Health psychology. She hopes to improve the quality of care of people with illness and better the overall health of society through research and education

Born and raised in Albania, Aldiona is a Junior at Hunter College majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Studio Art. She is a member of and a Scholar Peer Leader in the Yalow Honors Scholars Program and is a research assistant in Dr. Usha Barahmand’s lab, studying childhood trauma in relation to physical illness. In the Chic Lab she is interested in researching the coping mechanisms of patients with chronic and terminal diseases and the multifaceted ramifications that these diseases have on their lives. She looks forward to the experience of this research opportunity to help her identify the topic of her honors thesis, laying the groundwork for future graduate studies in Psychology.

Bailey is a junior in the Thomas Hunter Honors Program majoring in Psychology with a focus in Health Psychology. She is also enrolled in the 4+1 accelerated Master of Public Health program, concentrating in Health Policy and Management. As a member of the CHiC Lab, her research on the psychological effects of survivorship in young cancer survivors reflects her broader interest in using research to inform health policy and clinical practices. Looking ahead, Bailey plans to work within the healthcare system where research, policy, and patient care intersect, with the goal of improving care for understudied populations.

Avery Mak is a senior at Hunter College High School and has been a part of the CHiC lab since 2024. She is a member of the Stigmites team, where she is researching the effect of visible skin disease on psychosocial adjustment. In addition, Avery has been exploring the effect of cumulative visible stigmas on psychosocial adjustment.  She is extremely community-driven and runs a nonprofit, Scholar Readiness, which supports historically marginalized groups. Avery is interested in expanding resources for gender and racial minorities and hopes to continue studying psychology in college.