Research Assistants at UCLA TIES for Families
UCLA TIES for Families is an interdisciplinary university-based program established in 1995 to promote the successful adoption, growth, and development of children with special needs, especially those with prenatal substance exposure who are in foster care. Research Assistants will support ongoing research projects at TIES, based on their interest and availability.
Research Assistant Responsibilities
Research Assistants will support data collection, organization, entry, and coding. They will also support other research and administrative functions, such as conducting literature reviews, editing documents, and maintaining databases.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for students who can commit two or more quarters and 8 hours per week. Students who are in their second or third year and are interested in clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and/or public health are highly encouraged to apply.
Application cycle is closed for Spring Quarter 2026. You may submit an application to be added to our applicant list. Click Here to Apply!
If you have any questions, you can email the Research Team at UCLATIESResearch@mednet.ucla.edu.
| Name (Start Quarter) | Major/Minor | Interests | |
| Current Research Assistants | |||
| Ciclalis Rico (Fall ’25) | B.A. Psychology | Ciclalis is a proud first-generation student and former foster youth who is dedicated to uplifting, representing, and advocating for marginalized communities. Her passion lies in promoting equitable and accessible mental health resources for underserved communities and providing trauma-informed care. Furthermore, Ciclalis utilizes activism as a platform to address systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized populations. Her academic interests bridge clinical psychology and law, reflecting her commitment to address the gap between comprehensive mental health care and underrepresented communities who are disproportionately affected by Early Adverse Childhood Experiences. Involvements: UCLA TIES for Families Research Assistant, Echoes of Hope, Ready to Succeed, Pivotal Scholars | |
| Danica Jauregui (Spring ‘26) | B.A. Psychology, Gender Studies Minor | Danica has a passion for serving children and adolescents in trauma-affected communities, especially survivors of sexual assault and individuals in drug recovery. She has an interest in the intersectionality of traumas and the identities of those who experience them, particularly within the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. She aspires to obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology and pursue a career in trauma-informed therapy and research, whilst advocating for marginalized communities through activism and policy reformation. Involvements: UCLA TIES for Families Research Assistant, UCLA Health Rape Treatment Center – Stuart House Volunteer, Monarch Recovery IOP Intern, Body Image Task Force Co-Director, Survivors + Allies at UCLA, Students United for Reproductive and Gender Equity, End Overdose UCLA Chapter, Collegiate Recovery Program, Diversity Collective VC | |
| Jasmin A. Garcia (Spring ’25) | B.S. Neuroscience | Jasmin loves working with kids, as her passion keeps growing through her experiences as an adoptee and former foster kid! She aspires to pursue a PhD in psychology or attend law school to continue advocating for equitable and accessible physical and mental healthcare for all children, as well as for policy reformation that promotes overall well-being and success through education. Involvements: UCLA TIES for Families Research Assistant, Ready to Succeed LA, 826LA Tutor, UCLA LAB School Teacher Volunteer, Reproductive Health Equity Project (RHEP) for Foster Youth Summer Intern | |
| Previous Research Assistants | |||
| Ashlyn Hayes | B.A. Psychology, B.A. Sociology | ||
| Christian Choi | B.A. Public Affairs | ||
| Clairissa Mangal | B.S. Psychobiology | ||
| Frankie Grant | B.A. Psychology, Brain and Behavioral Health Minor, Global Health Minor | ||
| Kavya Juwadi | B.S. Psychobiology, Community Engagement & Social Change Minor | ||
| Leslie Alvarez | |||
| Lucy Williamson | B.A. Psychology, B.A. Communication | ||
| Maureen Anyadike | |||
| Melissa Miranda | B.S. Psychology, Global Health Minor | ||
| Sarah Finch | B.A. Political Science, B.A. Psychology | ||
| Sarah Tadha | B.S. Human Biology and Society, Anthropology Minor | ||
| Sophia Jenny | B.S. Neuroscience, Applied Developmental Psychology Minor | ||
| Yasmin De La Cruz | B.A. Psychology, Brain and Behavioral Health Minor | ||