Grad Peer Mentoring (GPMs)
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Graduate Peer Mentors (GPMs) play an essential role in increasing undergraduate students’ awareness, interest, and participation in research activities. OUR master’s level Graduate Peer Mentors are very knowledgeable about the research process. They all participated in research as undergraduate students, so they can relate to the experiences of current undergraduates navigating research endeavors. OUR GPMs facilitate OUR workshops across a range of topics, from entry-to-research to basic research skills. During their Drop-in Hours, GPMs provide support for students interested in research activities. GPMs can meet with individual undergraduate students seeking help with:
- Basic questions about research
- Help to find a research mentor
- Review documents, such as conference abstract, CV, or scholarship essays
- Questions about graduate school
Meet OUR Grad Peer Mentors
Adriana Pérez (she/her) is an OUR Graduate Peer Mentor and 2nd-year graduate student in the ¼ªÏé·» Clinical Psychology MA program. She received her BA in Psychology and a minor in Community Engagement and Social Change from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She will begin her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Miami in Fall 2025. Her research interests include examining the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based mental health interventions for ethno racially minoritized youth and families in diverse community settings. Her personal experience navigating research as a 1st generation college student and desire to pay forward the supportive mentorship she has received throughout her academic journey motivate her to be a Graduate Peer Mentor.
- Wednesdays from 6pm-7pm, via Zoom:
Crystal Venegas (she/her/ella) holds a BA in Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development, as well as an MA in Clinical Psychology from ¼ªÏé·». She currently serves in the Office of Undergraduate Research, where she combines her passion for mentorship and service with her extensive background in research and methods. Crystal is dedicated to empowering students, fostering their involvement in research, and helping them navigate pathways to education.
- Mondays and Thursdays, 11am-1pm, via Zoom:
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 4-5pm, in person: University Library room 21
- Also available by appointment
Luis Paz de la Vega earned his BA in Psychology and MA in Psychological Science from ¼ªÏé·». He joined Los Angeles Valley College in 2023 as a Tenured Track Faculty in the Psychology Department. Luis' background as an immigrant and experience with great mentors has motivated him to continue down this path by introducing students to research and graduate programs.
- Tuesdays from 5pm-6pm, via Zoom:
Renee Medina earned her undergraduate degree in public health from ¼ªÏé·» and is expected to complete her Master of Public Health (MPH) focusing on applied epidemiology. She is currently collaborating on a longitudinal study exploring the relationship between various stressors and stress biology. Renee’s thesis project investigates explicitly how childhood adversity affects inflammatory processes. She is examining how early life experiences influence biological responses to stress and contribute to long-term health outcomes. This research has significantly enhanced her understanding of the psychoneuroendocrinology pathways that connect adversity to stress biology, and has motivated her for future studies at the doctoral level. Working with undergraduate students is particularly rewarding for her; students’ enthusiasm for research and commitment to making a positive impact on society deeply inspire my academic pursuits.Â
- Thursdays from 3pm-4pm, via Zoom: