CSBS Student Award Winners

Alex McLaughlin is an Honors Psychology student at CSUSB whose journey reflects resilience and determination. Her research explores the relationship between childhood trauma and mental health in underserved populations. Drawing from lived experience, she brings insight and compassion to her work. As a Project Rebound participant, she has overcome significant challenges while pursuing her education. Alex plans to continue her studies in a doctoral psychology program, building on her commitment to research and community impact.

Carmen Uribe is a graduate student in Psychological Science at CSUSB dedicated to advancing public health research. Her work focuses on improving outcomes for underrepresented communities affected by neurological and mental health conditions. She has contributed to multiple research projects, co-authored peer-reviewed publications, and presented at conferences. Carmen’s research includes community-based mental health interventions and cultural influences on care. She is known for her collaborative spirit, curiosity, and commitment to meaningful impact.

Connor Thomas is an undergraduate Sociology scholar at CSUSB whose work centers on social impact and equity. His honors thesis examines queer and trans youth experiences across different Southern California communities using a mixed-methods approach. He independently designed and conducted his research, demonstrating strong methodological and ethical rigor. His findings contribute to sociology, LGBTQ+ studies, and public policy. Connor is deeply committed to using research to support underserved communities.

Lesley Vega is a graduate student in Criminology and Criminal Justice at CSUSB recognized for her impactful thesis on familicide. Her work develops a more comprehensive and conceptually grounded definition of the issue. She created an extensive dataset and applied innovative analysis to uncover overlooked patterns in family violence research. Lesley has presented her work at the American Society of Criminology, earning praise from leading scholars. She is an emerging leader known for her strong research and communication skills.

Lidia Albarran is a Social Work undergraduate at CSUSB who exemplifies perseverance and dedication. She maintains strong academic performance while balancing responsibilities as a mother, non-traditional student, and ESL learner. Lidia serves on the executive board of the Phi Alpha Honor Society and leads community service initiatives. Her work includes organizing food distributions and supporting undocumented students. She is recognized for her compassion, leadership, and commitment to helping others.