Studying The Inivisible Guises and Marginalized Appearances
The STIGMA Lab is directed by Dr. Caitlin Mercier. The goal of the STIGMA Lab is to uncover the impact of understudied stigmas that influence the lived experiences and well-being of marginalized communities. Within the broader areas, the lab focuses on two topic areas:
a) Vegetarianism
b) Anti-Black Racism and Colorism
The lab draws upon intersectionality, concealable stigmatized identity (CSI), and minority stress as guiding frameworks and employ multiple methodologies, including mixed method and qualitative methods.
Meet Our Members!
Jaylen Bychowski, B.S. is a first-year master’s student in the clinical-counseling psychology program. Her research interests include trauma, self-compassion, mindfulness, and experiences of minority discrimination and stigma. Her goal is to obtain her counseling licensure as well as her certification in women and gender studies. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, going to concerts, and painting
Hi! My name is Michelle Duong (she/her) and I am a first year graduate student in the Clinical-Counseling Psychology Master’s Program. I have practical/research interests in community health/public health & diversity (health disparities, vulnerable populations, health behavior change model), Substance Use Disorder in adults, and Autism Spectrum Disorder in adults. My goal for the semester is to propose my thesis. A fun fact about me: my favorite animals are cows 🐄!
Hi! My name is Aleena Mangold and I am a first year Clinical-Counseling Psychology M.A. Student. I am interested in research involving the etiology of disordered eating behaviors, and social issues such as stigma, discrimination, and biases. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family
Wan-Ju (Louan) Yang, B.S. is a graduate student studying psychology and counseling in Taiwan. She is currently a graduate exchange student at Illinois State University. She is passionate about research that focuses on intersectionality among different identities as well as LGBTQ+ couples and family issues. In her free time, she enjoys mountain climbing, camping, scuba diving, and free diving.
Hello! My name is Brooke Zaccone! I am in my third year at ISU. I am a psychology major. I hope to be a therapist for people struggling with mental health.
Hello! My name is Nana Frimpong! Year – senior! Interests – psychology and fashion. Fun fact- I can wiggle my ears!
Hello! My name is Isis Essex (she/her). I’m a senior Psychology with a minor in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies. I’m a Black Woman from the southside of Chicago. I’m super excited to work with research related to Colorism and the negative impact of mental health on black folx.
I love modeling, community service, and spending time with friends. I’m very active on campus, being on five executive boards, ensuring the proper success and organization of them all. I am also apart of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
Fun fact: I am co-founder of two modeling RSO’s at ISU! I specialize in confidence coaching for beginner models