Steven Berkley, PhD

Assistant Professor, Psychological Sciences, University of San Diego

Faculty Affiliate, Africana Studies Minor

Dr. Berkley teaches upper-division courses in developmental psychology. These include: Childhood and Adolescence, Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood, Adulthood and Aging, Close and Intimate Relationships (Senior Seminar), and Black Families. Berkley's research examines how family relationships and sociocultural contexts shape development across the lifespan. His work focuses on strength processes that support adolescent and young adult health and well-being.

Areas of Interest

• Black and Latinx families: Ethnic-racial socialization, racial discrimination, colorism

• Youth and Emerging adults: Identity, educational trajectories, sociopolitical development

• Stepfamily Dynamics: Childrearing practices, coparenting relationships

Masie Abbiati

Masie Abbiati (she/her) is a senior majoring in Psychology at the University of San Diego and joined the REMP Lab in Fall 2025.

Her current literature review, “True Crime and Racial Perceptions: How U.S. True Crime Media Constructs Racialized Narratives of Black Men and Crime,” examines how media portrayals often shape public perceptions and perpetuate racial bias.

Masie is pursuing an interest in forensic psychology and will intern as a criminal investigator with the Office of the Public Defender in Spring 2026. She values the opportunity to design and carry out independent research that aligns with her academic interests and long-term career goals.

Spoorthi Aedma

Spoorthi (she/her) is a senior majoring in Psychology and double minoring in Biology and Sociology at the University of San Diego. She joined the REMP Lab in Fall 2025.

Spoorthi’s current project examines the intergenerational transmission of culture among first-generation undergraduate Women of Color. Using qualitative narrative analysis of focus groups, she explores how family messages and expectations shape students’ academic and personal journeys. Spoorthi plans to pursue a PsyD in clinical psychology to support families of children living with chronic illness.

Luke Blatney

Luke Blatney (he/him) is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy at the University of San Diego. He joined the REMP Lab in Summer 2025.

His independent research examines how adherence to traditional masculine norms shapes undergraduate men’s endorsement of race-evasive ideologies and development of critical consciousness. Specifically, Luke explores whether traditional masculinity may function as a risk factor for developing critical awareness and engagement with systemic injustice.

After graduation, Luke plans to pursue a doctorate in applied psychology, human development, or public policy. He hopes to contribute to research and policy efforts that support more just outcomes for marginalized communities.

Alexandra Griffin

Alex Griffin (she/her) is a master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of San Diego. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from USD in 2023 and joined the REMP Lab in Fall 2022.

In the lab, Alex has led and collaborated on projects focused on race, gender, and intersectionality. Her work includes “Gendered Racial Microaggressions and Coping Strategies for Black Women,” which used an intersectional framework to examine how different coping strategies mitigate the psychological impact of microaggressions. She also serves as Co-Principal Investigator with Dr. Berkley on projects examining the socialization and campus experiences of Black college students and the intergenerational transmission of cultural values among first-generation collegiate women of color.

Alex is committed to translating research into practice through education, training, and the promotion of inclusive, intersectional approaches in clinical settings. Following licensure, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling or Clinical Psychology.

Marisa Kamin

Marisa Kamin (she/her) is a senior majoring in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Philosophy at the University of San Diego. She joined the REMP Lab in Fall 2024.

Her independent study literature review examines the relationship between parental racial identity and self-esteem among Asian American undergraduates. Specifically, she explores how family racial socialization and identity dynamics shape self-perception and psychological well-being within Asian American communities.

Marisa plans to pursue graduate training in Marriage and Family Therapy to support marginalized families through inclusive mental health care.

Irianna Morales

Irianna Morales (she/they) is a senior double-majoring in Psychology and Ethnic Studies at the University of San Diego. Irianna joined the REMP lab in Fall 2024.

While in the lab, Irianna’s project explores how intergenerational Filipino American family contexts influence young adults’ mental health–seeking behaviors, highlighting both cultural continuity and generational differences.

Irianna plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology to advance research on Filipino American families and expand access to mental health care in marginalized communities.

Yen Shiferaw

Yen Shiferaw (he/him) is a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration at the University of San Diego. He joined the REMP Lab in Summer 2025.

His qualitative study, “Playing Through Pressure: A Qualitative Study on Joy in Undergraduate Athletes of Color,” explores how athletes of color define, experience, and sustain joy while navigating institutional pressures and interpersonal challenges in collegiate athletics. Through themes of racial identity, emotional well-being, and culturally grounded resilience, Yen examines how joy can function as both resistance and identity affirmation. His work calls for more humanizing and joy-centered approaches to supporting athletes of color in higher education.

Yen plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology and is committed to integrating research, education, and mental health advocacy to advance the well-being of historically marginalized communities.