Associate Professor | Developmental Psychology

Email: williamscd13@vcu.edu

Phone: (804) 828-0313

Dr. Chelsea Derlan Williams (she/her/ella) research focuses on understanding how risk and resilience factors contribute to psychological, educational, and health outcomes/disparities among Latine, Black, and Multiracial youth and families. Her expertise is in in ethnic-racial identity, ethnic-racial socialization, discrimination/colorism, and cultural experiences across the lifespan. She is especially passionate about extending our understanding of these processes in adolescence/emerging adulthood to earlier developmental periods (e.g., early and middle childhood) by advancing theory and measurement in innovative ways. Her work centers primarily in applied settings (e.g., homes, schools, and communities), and uses advanced quantitative methods to model processes, as well as translate findings into interventions and programs.

Outside of lab, Dr. Williams enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and working on her photography & crafting skills.

Dr. Williams' google scholar can be found here.

Connect with Dr. Williams on linkedin here.

Dr. Williams loves team science! She is a Core Member of the Culture, Race and Health Transdisciplinary Core within the Convergence Labs, which is a transdisciplinary team that designs studies and interventions aimed at examining and addressing health disparities. She is also part of two centers that work in interdisciplinary teams: Institute Faculty at the Clark-Hill Institute for Positive Youth Development, as well as Affiliated Faculty at the Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation, and has been published in journals such as Child Development, Developmental Psychology, & Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology.

She was recently awarded the National/International Recognition Award, Excellence in Community Engagement Award, the Emerging Professional Contributions to Research Award from Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, & Race), and the Mentorship Award.

"Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world." -Dolores Huerta

Dr. Tava West (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Scholar in the EMPOWER Youth Lab. She earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology with a minor in Neuropsychology from Howard University. Her research interests include racial identity, racial socialization, and racial discrimination. Specifically, her research focuses on the role of racial identity in shaping developmental outcomes and mental health among youth and young adults. She is particularly interested in how experiences of racial socialization, racial discrimination, and other sociocultural factors influence psychological well-being. Dr. West’s work places a special emphasis on the experiences of Multiracial and/or Biracial individuals of African descent, both within the United States and internationally.  Outside of lab, Dr. West enjoys spending time with family, friends, and playing piano. 

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” -Nelson Mandela 

Email: westt4@vcu.edu

Dr. Subramoney (she/her) is a Postdoctoral Scholar in the EMPOWER Youth Lab. She received her PhD in Psychological Sciences, with a specialization in Developmental Psychology, from the University of California, Merced, in 2025. Her research interests focus on social and emotional development in contexts of diversity and social inequality. She is particularly interested in (1) the processes by which minoritized youth navigate complex social interactions, and (2) the impact of navigating these social dynamics on youth well-being and adjustment. Her goal is to identify sources of resilience and adaptability among minoritized youth and families, and find ways to promote positive development among marginalized populations. Outside of lab, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and knitting.

”As long as you live, keep learning how to live.” -Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Email: subramoneys@vcu.edu

Raven Bacchas (she/they) is a PhD. student in the Developmental Psychology Program, and Graduate Research Assistant in the EMPOWER Youth Lab. Her research interests focus on understanding how Multiracial youth—particularly from Black and Latiné/x communities—navigate their ethnic-racial identity development, especially when facing various social stressors (e.g., discrimination, colorism), and the impacts on their development and mental health. Multiracial youth are the fastest growing population in the U.S., and experience the highest rates of mental health challenges. However, research on these disparities and protective factors underlying them are quite limited. She is committed to addressing these and other gaps in the field by advancing research and interventions tailored to the experiences of Multiracial youth. Outside of lab, Raven loves to play cozy video games, crochet, and explore new food spots. 

“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” -Angela Davis

Email: bacchasrj@vcu.edu

Vianca Escober (she/her) is a Ph.D. student in the Developmental Psychology Program, and Graduate Research Assistant in the EMPOWER Youth Lab. Her research is focused on understanding the experiences of underrepresented and underserved children in school settings, including multi-language learners, neurodivergent children, and ethnic-racial minority students and their families. These subpopulations of youth often experience lower graduation rates, not because of their skills or ability, but because they face structural barriers in schools, and often lack access to culturally-sensitive, and trained teachers and staff. She is dedicated to conducting research and developing interventions that address these gaps to optimize positive development and educational outcomes. Outside of lab, Vianca loves trying new matcha and coffee places, spending time with her cat (Sol), and watching the sunsets.

“If you don’t know, don’t worry.” -Fred again

Email: escobarvn@vcu.edu

Aadya Reddy Pesara (she/her) is a Psychology major with a minor in business and pre-med. Her interests are in understanding the role race/ethnicity plays in medicine and how it affects the way people get treated in hospital settings . After VCU, she plans to get into an Anesthesiologist Assistant program. Outside of the lab, she enjoys baking, travelling, and going to concerts. 

"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, “I’m possible!” – Audrey Hepburn

Amaria Ford (she/her) is a biology major. She is interested in creating equal opportunities for people of color in the healthcare field, as well as making sure that people from all racial/ethnic backgrounds are able to get the treatment they need regarding their mental and physical health. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and become a doctor in the endocrinology field. Outside of the lab, Amaria enjoys singing, cooking, and crocheting.

“Instead of inheriting a broken system, we have the power to change it.” - Yara Shahidi

Aniya Carter (she/her) is a Pre-Nursing Major. She loves to bake, swim and dance. After graduation she plans to go to nursing school to become a Nurse Practitioner. Her long term goals entail eventually getting her doctorate and opening her own practice as a pediatrician. She also plans on doing tons of traveling around the world and helping other adorable kiddos. Outside of the lab, she goes on walks with her dog, likes to listen to music and is a part of a dance club here at VCU.

“If you have a dream, don’t let anybody take it away.” - Selena Quintanilla

Ashi Gupta (she/her) is a Psychology major. Her interests are in medicine, science, and research. After VCU, she wants to attend medical school here at VCU or get her pHD in Clinical Psychology. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking, reading, sewing, and spending time with her loved ones.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Clara Mubiru (she/her) is a sociology major. She is interested in learning and understanding how identity shapes the outlook of others. She loves to explore various perspectives and see how people of all ages view the world. After VCU, she plans to get a job in the media landscape. Outside the lab, she likes to read, listen to music, hang out with friends, explore Richmond, and watch TV shows or movies.

“When we reject the single story, when we realize that there is never a single story about any place, we regain a kind of paradise.” - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Faith Maeba (she/her) is a psychology major with a minor in practical AI. She is interested in exploring the relationship between sociocultural factors and their influence on the mental health outcomes of individuals in minority communities, especially that of Black pregnant women in the United States. After graduation, Faith plans to attend graduate school to pursue a graduate degree in psychology. Outside of working in the lab, she enjoys taking walks with her friends, listening to music, and making the most out of her life.

“To be young, gifted, and Black” - Chadwick Boseman

Jalen Callicutt (she/her) is a psychology major with a minor in professional writing and editing. Her interests center on child development, neuropsychology, and understanding how trauma, systemic inequities, and access to resources impact marginalized children and families. After graduating from VCU, she plans to attend graduate school to pursue clinical neuropsychology, with the goal of working with children and advocating for equity in mental health and educational outcomes. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading culturally relevant and banned books, creative writing, photography, and engaging in community-based service and advocacy work.

“All that you touch, you change. All that you change, changes you.” – Octavia Butler

Jolie Nshimye (she/her) is a major in Biology who aspires to become an OB/GYN. She is interested in women's health and advocacy, particularly for improving the health and well-being of women and children. After graduation, Jolie plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology, while continuing her mission to advocate for underserved communities. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, experimenting with new recipes, spending time with loved ones, and exploring nature.

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”- Nelson Mandela

Kaelen Diaz (he/him) is a psychology major who received his degree in 2025. He is interested in pursuing a career in mental health treatment, specifically in researching how psychedelic medicines might serve as a form of addiction treatment. Outside of the lab, he enjoys reading, going to the gym, meditation, and spending time with his cat, Lahmajun.

“You can only protest effectively when you love the person whose ideas you are protesting against as much as you love yourself.” - Ram Dass

Kaylin Lopez (she/her) is psychology major with a minor in pre-PA. Her interests are in understanding children's developmental behaviors and ethnic-racial identity development. After VCU, she has plans to become a Pa and start her own practice. Outside of the lab, she enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping, and being a queen. 

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde

Kanak Barua (she/her) is a psychology major with minors in education and health services. She is passionate about researching the psychological development of children and adolescents by working directly with children and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences. After graduating from VCU, she plans to attend graduate school and earn her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a focus on children and adolescents. Outside of lab, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, listening to music, and exploring the city.

“It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.” - Anonymous

Latisha Dejon (She/Her) is a Psychology and Criminal Justice major with a concentration in Forensic Crime Scene Investigation. Her interests are multiracial experiences, mental health, and child development. After graduation, she plans to enter the workforce in a role related to her major and writing a book. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, traveling, baking, and spending time with her loved ones and pets.

Levi Vejvoda (she/her) is a double major in Psychology and Sociology. Her interests are working with children and understanding the psychological processes that occur in childhood. After VCU, she plans to attend graduate school in Psychology. Outside of the lab, she enjoys sewing, working out, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.”- Frida Kahlo

Mahima Yalavarthy (she/her) is a Biology major on the pre-medicine track and is part of the VCU Honors College. Her interests include learning about different cultures, trying new foods, and understanding the effects of race and ethnicity on interactions with other individuals. After VCU, she plans to attend medical school. Outside of the lab, she enjoys dance, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. 

“It always seems impossible until it’s done” - Nelson Mandela

Milagro Almendarez (She// Her) is a Biology Major with a passion for serving underserved communities, especially in the Latino community. She is focused on addressing language and social barriers that impact access to healthcare and education. After graduation, Milagro plans on attending graduate school. Outside of the lab she enjoys working out, cooking, and running her beauty business.

“Success is not final; Failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston S. Churchill

Miklos Fridrich (he/him) is a psychology major. His interests include mental health treatment/therapy, positive psychology and community engaged research. After VCU, he plans to attend graduate school for social work. Outside of lab, he enjoys playing jazz guitar, going out with friends and watching movies.

“Rising up to paradise, I know I’m gonna shine.” - Bob Weir

Rebecca Couture (she/her) is a psychology major with a concentration in applied psychology. Her interests are in resiliency, trauma-informed and culturally responsive counseling, and the issues of lack of equality in access to healthcare and mental health resources. After graduation, she will be attending graduate school to attain her masters and work toward a license in marriage and family counseling. Outside of lab, she enjoys reading, painting, and baking.

“Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.” - Maya Angelou

Regina Marquez (she/her) is a social work major with a passion for working with Latino communities. Her focus lies in understanding cultural identity, family dynamics and the development for first generation Latino children. She plans to transfer to VCU next spring and afterward she will be attending graduate school to get her masters and work hard to become a licensed clinical social worker. Outside of the lab she is a hairstylist and a nanny, and she enjoys trying new tea recipes, reading, journaling and spending time with her loved ones.

“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” - Frida Kahlo

Ruth Abiy (she/her) is a Psychology major with a minor in Criminal Justice. Her interest is in studying how racial barriers and oppression impacts child development. After VCU, she plans to get her doctorate degree in clinical psychology. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading books, binging shows, listening to music, and doing art. 

“All things are difficult before they are easy.” — Thomas Fuller

Sania Johnson (She/Her) is a psychology major with a minor in pre-medicine. She is passionate about contributing research to the future development of educational and community guided programs for children of color. After graduating with a bachelor's of science in psychology, Sania will move to get her M.D at Howard University and become a practicing neuropsychiatrist. Outside of the lab, Sania enjoys a range of activities from cozying up with a good book to rafting along the James. She also holds a deep fondness for animals and an undying love for any sweet or savory.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”- Malcolm X

Stephanie Moreno-Mejia (she/they) is a psychology major with a minor in social welfare. Her academic interests center on examining how policy and advocacy can be leveraged to support disenfranchised and marginalized communities and foster equitable opportunities. After graduating from VCU, she plans to obtain a master’s in social work with a concentration in administration, planning, and policy practice. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading novels, sewing, and word search puzzles.

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”- Alice Walker

Takiyah Banks (she/her) is a Psychology major with a minor in Political Science. Her interests include neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric processes and how social and environmental factors influence behavior, as well as humanitarian-focused work. After graduation, Takiyah aims to pursue a Ph.D in Neuropsychology. Outside of the lab, Takiyah provides writing support to peers in the community and enjoys reading, listening to music, and staying informed on current social and political issues.

“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” –Toni Morrison

Zineb Lahrim (she/her) is a Psychology major with a strong interest in working with children of diverse backgrounds, including those with special needs. After graduating, she plans to pursue a career in clinical child psychology to support children’s mental health and development. Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending time outdoors and with her dog.