Dr. Klemfuss’s research focuses on how children remember and report about their past experiences. She is particularly interested in how social contextual factors and children’s cognitive abilities separately and jointly impact the accuracy and content of their event narratives. She has published in top academic journals including Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Developmental Review, and Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, as well as in books and online resources.
Yuerui (Julia) Wu is a visiting Assistant Professor from NYU Shanghai. She completed her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of California, Davis, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on eyewitness memory, emotions, and trauma, with a special interest in legal applications.
Georgia is a fourth-year graduate student in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on children's credibility as witnesses, exploring ways to elicit truthful and productive narratives about abuse and violence. She is also interested in understanding how laypersons perceive child witnesses in abuse cases. Prior to her graduate studies, Georgia earned a degree in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences from the University of Cambridge. Before joining UC Irvine, she served as Lab Director for Dr. Lyon's Child Interviewing Lab at the University of Southern California.
Annabel is a graduate student in the department of psychological science at University of California, Irvine. She received her B.A. from Occidental College in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. Annabel additionally obtained an M.S. from California State University, Los Angeles in Psychology with a forensic specialization. Her research interests include how children interpret different styles of questioning in forensic interviews, children’s susceptibility to leading questions, recantations among children, and how children’s responses may differ between online and in-person interviewing. Annabel started the University of California, Irvine’s doctoral program in Fall of 2025.
Laura is a graduate student in the Psychological Science Ph.D. program at the University of California, Irvine. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Virginia, and recently graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with an M.A. in Legal and Forensic Psychology. Her research interests center around how to elicit accurate disclosures from child witnesses and victims, children's memories of adverse experiences, and children's eyewitness capabilities.
Austin is a fourth-year undergraduate student double-majoring in Psychology and Business Economics at the University of California, Irvine. His interests include social psychology, developmental psychology, and organizational psychology. He is passionate about helping others thrive in the workplace and aspires to pursue a career in I/O psychology. Through the Child Narratives Lab, he hopes to gain valuable experience with research and data analytics as well as a better understanding of cognitive development in children.
Elaine is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology, B.S. at the University of California, Irvine. Her interests are clinical psychology, counseling, mental health, and working with children. She hopes to pursue a degree in clinical psychology and explore the field of psychology. Through the Child Narratives lab, she hopes to gain research experience and develop further insight in children's cognitive development.
Kiara is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at the University of California, Irvine. She is interested in developmental and clinical psychology as well as the overlap with the legal system. After graduation, she aims to pursue a career in clinical psychology as a licensed therapist. She hopes to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the important research surrounding child development in the Child Narratives Lab.
Alexis is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine. Her interests are clinical psychology, developmental psychology and social psychology. After graduation she hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology as a licensed therapist. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she hopes to obtain valuable research experience to prepare herself for the future and gain further insight into how a child's cognition affects their developmental process.
Amanda is an undergraduate student at the University of California, Irvine, pursuing a double major in Psychological Science and Business Information Management. She is particularly interested in the intersection of technology, cognition, and child development, with a focus on behavior intervention strategies and the influence of parental factors. Through the Child Narratives Lab, Amanda aims to acquire meaningful research experience and deepen her understanding of cognitive development in children.
Deema is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at the University of California, Irvine. She is interested in clinical psychology and child development. Deema hopes to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology with a focus on working with children and families. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she hopes to gain valuable research experience and deepen her understanding of child development and mental health.
Jalin is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Psychology at the University of California, Irvine. Her interests are clinical psychology and developmental psychology, with a passion for working with children and mental health awareness. She aspires to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology and strives to become a child psychologist. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she hopes to gain valuable research experience while continuing to contribute to meaningful work with children.
Emily is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychological science at the University of California, Irvine. Her interests include clinical psychology, law, and developmental psychology. She is especially interested in the effects of psychological trauma on children and various populations, such as within the military and the wrongly incarcerated. Through the Child Narratives Lab, Emily seeks to become more knowledgable in child psychology and help investigate the connections between children's memory and the real world applications in the judicial system. She aspires to pursue graduate school and learn more about how she can help and further research for those who have experienced trauma.
Frances is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Science. She is passionate about understanding how childhood experiences shape adult behavior and studying child development. She is working to become a cognitive behavioral therapist for children. Through the Child Narratives Lab, Frances hopes to gain research experience and better understand psychological development and resilience in children.
Kaitlin is an undergraduate student double majoring in Psychological Science and Criminology, Law & Society at the University of California, Irvine. She is interested in developmental psychology and child forensic psychology. They hope to pursue a career in juvenile justice and detention center counseling. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she looks forward to becoming more familiar with data analysis and gain more research experience revolving around child cognition and the justice system.
Khoa is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Sciences and minoring in Education at the University of California Irvine. His interests are education, child development, and school psychology. He hopes to pursue his education specialist degree focusing on school psychology. Through the Child Narratives Lab, he hopes to gain knowledge into the research side of psychology and gain valuable experience working with children and their families.
Lisa is an undergraduate student who is majoring in Psychological Science. Her interests in particular are psychology, forensics, developmental psychology, and language acquisition. She is planning on pursuing developmental psychology with a focus on language in particular, but is also interested in the real world application of psychology. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she hopes to be able to gain research and hands-on experience that parallels her future aspirations.
Raina is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine. She hopes to pursue a graduate degree in school psychology or social work to continue being a compassionate changemaker. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she hopes to gain invaluable experience which will help her serve communities and better advocate for mental health.
Ryan is a undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine. His interests include clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a career in clinical psychology or in the medical field. Through the Child Narratives Lab, Ryan is looking forward to gaining research experience and insight into child development through a psychological and legal lens.
Riley is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. She is interested in clinical psychology and developmental psychology, and hopes to pursue a degree in clinical psychology. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she hopes to gain research experience and become more knowledgeable in child psychology, connecting the social world with child development.
Sana Rashidi is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at the University of California, Irvine. Her interests include clinical psychology and developmental psychology. She hopes to pursue a PhD in developmental psychology and eventually open her own clinic. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she hopes to develop hands-on research skills that will help her understand how children’s experiences and environments shape their development.
Sena is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine. Her interests are in developmental psychology specifically regarding trauma and early-life adversity. She hopes to pursue a degree in either clinical or developmental psychology. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she hopes to better understand the relationship between environmental context and children's development.
Tiffany is a recent graduate from the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. Her interests are developmental psychology, mainly regarding how different factors (culture, stress, adversities) can influence a child's growth. She aims to attend graduate school and pursue a career in medicine. Through the Child Narratives Lab, Tiffany hopes to gain valuable research experience and broaden her understanding and perspective of child development.
Valeria is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at the University of California, Irvine. Her interests include clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and developmental psychology. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical or neuropsychology, to work closely with children and understand how early experiences influence their emotional and cognitive development. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she hopes to develop practical research skills and contribute to ongoing work in memory, language, and social context.
Xien is an undergraduate student double majoring in Psychological Science and Education Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. Her interests are developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and humanistic psychology. She hopes to pursue a career in counseling psychotherapy. Through the Child Narratives Lab, she hopes to gain practical research experience, learn from her peers, and explore the connections between child/adolescent development, psychology, and mental health.
Previous Graduate Lab Members
Allison Mugno, Ph.D., Current Assistant Professor, Huntingdon College
Alma Olaguez, Ph.D., Current Assistant Professor, Chapman University
Danhua Zhu, Ph.D.
Deborah Kamliot, M.A.
Emily Slonecker, Ph.D., Current Assistant Professor, Cabrini University
Lauren Wyckoff, M.A.
Lianet Chao, M.S., Barry University, Current Teacher, Brigeprep Academy
Michelle Pena, M.A., Current Doctoral Student, Florida International University
Patrick J. Villalonga, B.A., Current Ph.D. Student, Florida International Unviersity
Quincy Miller, Ph.D., Incoming Assistant Professor, West Chester University
Veronica Alavarez, M.A.
Previous Post-Baccalaureate Lab Members
Aura Valencia, B.A.
Daniel Wang, B.S., PBD in Psychological Science, Current Research Assistant, Yale University
Debbie Chung, B.A., PBD in Psychological Science
Deepali Dhruve, B.A., PBD in Psychological Science, Clinical Ph.D. Student Mississippi State
Evelyn (Shu Wei) Chang, B.S., PBD in Psychological Science
Jessica Barragan, B.A., PBD in Psychological Science, Current Ph.D. Student, Claremont McKenna
Joshua Dea, B.A., PBD in Psychological Science
Kimia Akhavein, B.A., PBD in Psychological Science, Developmental Psychology Ph.D. Student, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Khanam Virjee, B.A., PBD in Psychological Science
Previous Undergraduate Lab Members
Abigail Charime, B.A.
Abigail Diaz, B.A.
Aereonna Chea
Akaysia Hill, B.A., Master's Student in UCI's Masters in Legal and Forensic Psychology (MLFP) Program
Alexina Pilo, B.A., Master's Student, Boston College
Alessandra Contreras, B.A.
Alyssa Lewis, B.A.
Amy Bennett, B.A., Social, Health, and Organizational Psychology Graduate Program Student, Utrecht University
An Do, B.A.
Angela Huh, B.A.
Aneesah Akbar, B.S.
Angela Huh, B.A.
Armando Amador, B.A.
Arpita Noor, B.A.
Ashley Cieri, B.A.
Ayumi Wong
Brandon Sanchez, B.A.
Caroline Cha, B.A., Lab Manager, Diversity in Development Lab, University of California, Santa Cruz
Cesar Jara, B.A.
Chloe Ford, B.A.
Citlali Montes
Colleen Quigley, B.A.
Daisy Ma, B.S.
Daria Karraby B.A.
Dhriti Grover
Donya Anvaripour, B.A.
Doris Deng, B.A.
Eduardo Florez, B.A., Clinical Master's Student, Pacific University
Ellis Choi
Emilia Tretheway
Eric Enriquez, B.A.
Fei Gao, B.A.
Ghazal (Helena) Shamshiri, B.S.
Giovanna Pires Dearaujo, B.A., Toddler Assistant Teacher, Spectrum Montessori
Giselle Velazquez, B.A., Counseling, Student Affairs, and College Counseling Master's Student, Fresno State University
Hannah Lee, B.S.
Ismael Tijerino, B.A., Law Student, St. Thomas University School of Law
Jackie Cardenas, B.A.
Jasmine Alcaraz, B.A.
Jennifer Lee Ma, B.A.
Jennifer Lopez, B.A., Social Work Master's Student, California State University Fullerton
Jennifer Mora, B.A.
Joie Annunziato, B.A.
Jose Gonzalez, B.A.
Joseline Velarde, B.A.
Kaitlin Hwangbo, B.A.
Kaitlin Mae Fernandez, B.A., Psychology Ph.D Student, University of California Berkeley
Kara Chizek
Katherine Hoogesteyn, B.A.
Katherine Pappas, B.S.
Katherine Waldman, B.A.
Kiari Esquibel, B.A., Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Student, Loma Linda University
Kimberly Karlsen, B.S.
Kristen Hollas, B.A., Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Student, Louisiana State University
Laura Acosta, B.A.
Laterika Kelly, B.S.
Leah Lopez, B.A.
Lesley Vallecillos, B.A.
Liliana Vazquez, B.A.
Linda Fayelah Johnson, B.A.
Lisette Juarez, B.A.
Lorena Villegas
Lorena Yanez, B.A.
Madiana Vivar, B.A.
Marleah Berry
Marlon Chavez, B.A.
Maria C. Peñaranda, B.A.
Maria Wilson, B.A.
McKenna Raymond, B.A.
Megan Sabatino, B.A.
Melissa Halici, B.A.
Nadia Suarez
Nalani Portillo, B.A.
Natasha Bailey, B.A., Full-Time Research Assistant, Chapman University
Neeman Araque
Neejla Fahimy, B.A.
Nick Casis
Nicka Fallah, B.A., Social Work Master's Student, University of California Los Angeles
Noelle Tresser, B.A.
Noor Dalati, B.A.
Olivia Mattera, B.A., Master's Student, University of Pittsburgh
Rachel Taffe, B.A., Psychology Ph.D. Student, New York University
Rebecca Aaron, B.A.
Rebecca Cortizo, B.A.
Rebeca Ceballos, B.A.
Rhea Go, B.A.
Roger Nguyen
Roman Dane Romero Sinisi, B.A.
Sarah Coscolluela, B.A.
Serena Nuber, B.A.
Sheryll Estipona, B.A.
Sion Shuquor Habtemariam, B.A.
Solace Mills, B.A.
Sophia Birriel-Sanchez, B.A.
Tanner Phillips, B.A.
Tatiana Angrino, B.A.
Tina Nafir, B.A.
Valeria Porras, B.A.
Victoria Dickerson, B.A.
Vivian Wei, B.A.
Xiomara Pena, B.A., Clinical Master's Student, Southern Adventist University
Yelda Falahahwazi, B.A.
Yesenia Garcia, B.A.
Yufei Song
Yunhui (Rachel) Chen, B.A., Master's Student, Harvard University
Zara Allen, B.S.
Jazmin Diaz, B.A.
You can learn more about the department of Psychological Science at UC Irvine here.
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