Congratulations to Belal Jamil, recipient of the Department of Psychology’s Doctoral Scholar Award! 🎉 A PhD student in Assistant Professor Jinni Su’s Genes, Environment, and Youth Development Lab, Belal explores how genetic risk, family dynamics and sociocultural experiences shapes mental health and substance use in adolescents and emerging adults. Outside the lab, he mentors undergraduate students through the ENERGIZE Research Initiative and serves as Financial and Assessment Coordinator for Amplified Voices. Special thanks to our faculty, staff, graduate students, alumni and supporters whose financial contributions make this award possible. (fb)

Congratulations to rising juniors Diana Espinoza Aguilar and Valentina Gonzalez — recipients of the Department of Psychology Scholar Award! 🏆 Largely funded by donations from our psychology community, these scholarships recognize rising sophomores, juniors and seniors who excel academically and actively engage in research or apply psychology in service of the community. Aguilar, a psychology major and first-generation college student, is currently studying abroad in Italy as a Dorrance Scholar. She has contributed to research in Assistant Professor Kelsey Lucca’s Emerging Minds Lab and participated in student groups like the Psychology Engagement Team. Gonzalez, also a first-generation psychology major, volunteers with “Ángeles del Barrio,” a holiday event hosted by Chicanos Por La Causa - CPLC that brings toys, games, and health resources to low-income families in Phoenix. She is also the recipient of the Carlo Cefalu “Spirit of Life” Scholarship. Established in memory of Carlo Cefalu — a psychology student whose life was cut short — the award honors Gonzalez’s resilience and her commitment to helping underprivileged children and making the world a better place. Congratulations, Diana and Valentina! (fb)