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Department of Psychiatry Department of Psychiatry
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Meet Our Team

pearl members

Principal Investigator

charlie taylorCharlie Taylor, Ph.D.

Dr. Taylor is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UC San Diego and the Director of the Positive Emotion & Anxiety Research Laboratory (PEARL). He received his B.Sc. in Psychology at McMaster University (Hamilton, ON, Canada) and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC, Canada). He has over 15 years of experience specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression. Dr. Taylor directs an active program of clinical research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and Brain and Behavior Foundation.

Members

Visiting Scholar

  • Ho-Jun Seo, MD

    Ho-Jun Seo, MD

    Ho-Jun is a Psychiatrist and a Professor of Psychiatry at the Catholic Univ. of Korea. He has been working as a faculty at St. Vincent Hospital since 2009, participating in resident training and clinical care of patients. He spent over 20 years specializing in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. His research interests are Anxiety disorders, Depression, and CBT. He is a director of the Korean Academy of Anxiety and Mood, the Korean Association of Psychoanalytic Treatment, and the Korean Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He will be here as a Visiting Scholar 2023-2024.

Doctoral Students

  • Samantha Hoffman

    Samantha Hoffman

    Sam (she/her) is a 5th-year clinical psychology Ph.D. student at the San Diego State University/University of California San Diego (UCSD) Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) in Clinical Psychology. She graduated with a B.S. in Physiology and Neuroscience from UCSD and earned a M.S. in Clinical Psychology from the JDP. Sam joined PEARL in 2019 and is passionate about improving treatment outcomes for individuals with mood, anxiety, and trauma-related psychopathology. Her research has encompassed the intersection of emotional processes, social disconnection, suicide, and trauma with the ultimate goal of clarifying the mechanisms behind treatment response and long-term recovery. She is currently a therapist who delivers treatments to PEARL's wonderful participants. In her spare time, she enjoys discovering new coffee shops, restaurants, and eateries.
  • Madeleine Rassaby

    Madeleine Rassaby

    Hi there! My name is Madeleine and I am a third-year graduate student at the SDSU/UC SanDiego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology working under the mentorship of Dr. Charles Taylor and Dr. Murray Stein. My research interests focus on the development and optimization of evidence-based treatments aimed to both reduce negative affect and associated maladaptive cognitive and behavioral processes, and enhance positive emotions. I am particularly interested in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. In my free time I enjoy connecting with family and friends, trying out different coffee shops and restaurants around San Diego, singing and listening to music, being active, traveling, and admiring the beautiful beach sunsets.
  • Isabella Spaulding

    Isabella Spaulding

    Hello! My name is Isabella and I’m a first year doctoral student in the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. Before joining PEARL I completed my B.S. in Clinical Psychology at Tufts University and then worked as a postbaccalaureate fellow in the Section on Development and Affective Neuroscience at the National Institute of Mental Health. My research interests are focused on exploring the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms underlying mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders, and how these insights might inform the development of novel treatments. I’m also particularly interested in better understanding the impacts (e.g., biological, social) of early adversity on individuals with psychological disorders in adulthood, in an effort to identify potential treatment targets and ultimately improve outcomes for this population. Outside of the lab I love to spend time at the beach, try new recipes, and travel! 

Research Coordinators

  • Taylor Smith

    Taylor Smith

    Taylor R. Smith is a study coordinator at the Positive Emotion & Anxiety Research Laboratory. She graduated from the University of San Diego, California with a B.S. in psychology and a minor in mathematics. Taylor started as a student volunteer and now has been coordinating in the lab for over 8 years. She is currently is attending CSUSM to obtain her Master’s in Social Work. She is a San Diego native and enjoys swimming in the ocean, rollerblading, and baking.
  • Marissa Larkin

    Marissa Larkin

    Hello! My name is Marissa, and I am a lab coordinator at PEARL. I graduated from the University of Utah in 2023 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Applied Positive Psychology. During my undergraduate career, I worked in the Child Adaptation and Neurodevelopment Lab as a research assistant and wrote an honors thesis focusing on emotion dysregulation and trauma history. Soon after graduation, I joined PEARL! I work mainly with the CBD study, but also assist with all other areas of work within the lab. I plan to attend graduate school for clinical psychology and work as a practicing clinician long-term. My research interests broadly surround anxiety and depression intervention. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, on a hike, or to concerts.
  • Juliana Himawan

    Juliana Himawan

     Hi! I’m Juliana, and I graduated from UC San Diego in December 2024 with a B.S. in Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in General Biology. I’ve been a part of the PEARL team since 2022, and I wrote my senior thesis titled, "Elevated Anxiety is Associated with Greater Activation in the Striatum in a Transdiagnostic Sample." Currently, I work as a coordinator focusing primarily on our Pramipexole study. Outside of lab, I enjoy practicing yoga and love spending time at San Diego's beautiful beaches.  

Clinical Research Assistants

  • Tess Oswalt

    Tess Oswalt

    Hi, I’m Tess and I am a third year at UCSD studying Clinical Psychology. I joined PEARL in May of 2023 to learn more about the intricacies of research and gain experience working in a clinical psychology research lab. I am responsible for phone screening, data entry, and confederate work in the lab. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring new food places, hiking, reading, and working out. I am still exploring different career paths in the field of Psychology, but I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and apply all the knowledge and experience I have gained here at PEARL.
  • Michael Mansour

    Michael Mansour

  • Amy Nguyen

    Amy Nguyen

    Hi there! My name is Amy, and I'm a 4th-year Business Psychology major and Literature minor at UCSD. I joined PEARL in September 2023 because of my interest in social-organizational psychology and desire to learn more about novel treatments for anxiety and depression through clinical research experience. In the lab, I am the Head of Recruitment and Website Management, and I serve as a confederate in several of our studies. Outside of the lab, I love to read, write, practice taekwondo, make music, and explore cute cafes around San Diego. In the future, I would like to travel or study abroad to learn more about different cultures (and practice new languages!) and eventually pursue a PhD in social psychology to explore how our relationships impact and are impacted by our education, resilience, and technology usage. 
  • Jessica Sauceda

    Jessica Sauceda

    Hello! My name is Jessica. I’m a 4th year clinical psychology major and I'm minoring in sociology. I joined the PEARL lab in Fall of 2023. I became a member of PEARL because I wanted more research experience in a clinical psychology lab. I am also very interested in exploring different treatment options and interventions for anxiety and depression. In the lab, I am currently responsible for doing confederate work and data entry. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and spending time at the beach. I also enjoy trying new food, coffee places, and exploring San Diego. In the future, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and eventually become a clinical psychologist.
  • Zachary Yoo

    Zachary Yoo

    Hi! My name is Zach and I am currently a 3rd year at UCSD. I am majoring in Clinical Psych and Communications. I joined PEARL in August 2023 in order to gain valuable experience within a research lab and become more involved in working in a clinical setting. Within the lab, I am a trained confederate phone screener, SRP data, and an audience member. When I’m not in the lab, I typically like to go out to eat with friends or play basketball in my free time. At home, I also like to cook/try new recipes and play video games with my friends. On the side, I also love to dive into film photography. Within the future, I hope I can get into graduate school to get a PhD in clinical psychology. I hope to achieve my goal of being a clinical psychologist/therapist as my future occupation. I wish to also travel the world and be able to have the time to explore all the places I’ve dreamed of going.
  • Mehar Zaman

    Mehar Zaman

    Hi, I’m Mehar! I graduated from UCSD and majored in Psychology. I worked as a behavior interventionist, supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and youth-at-risk for PTSD in conflict zones. Now at PEARL since August 2023, I'm gaining hands-on experience in clinical research exploring innovative treatments for anxiety and depression. 

    At the lab, I navigate data and work as a confederate. Beyond the lab, I like to read, sketch, and I am currently learning a 4th language. In the future, I intend on pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology and establishing an institute for cross-cultural research in my native country.
  • Maanith Shriyan

    Maanith Shriyan

    Hello!!!!!! My name is Maanith. I’m a senior at Seventh. My major is Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology. I joined PEARL in April of 2024. I became a part of PEARL because I was incredibly interested in their approach to treating anxiety and depression. The focus on promoting positive emotions, over just reducing negative symptoms, is what really sold me as it is something that is central to my culture. In the lab, I am currently responsible for: phone screening (still in training). Outside of the lab I like to play football, basketball, surf and cook. In the future, I hope to gain insight into the research field in general, as well as hone critical skills that will help me through grad school.
  • Layla Farhan

    Layla Farhan

    Hi, my name is Layla! I'm a 3rd year Psychology major at UCSD. I joined PEARL in April of 2024 to gain more clinical psychology research experience whether through direct patient interaction or the day-to-day lab skills that will facilitate my path forward in clinical psychology. In the lab, I'm responsible for phone screening and confederate work. Outside the lab, I love hanging out with my friends, hiking, baking, and listening to music. In the future, I hope to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and specialize in family dynamics, specifically the influence of culture on minoritized families, parenting, and child/adolescent psychological outcomes. In addition to my professional pursuits, I hope to strengthen my Arabic and travel around the world, especially the Middle East and North Africa, to experience and learn about different cultures!
  • Anthea Roshan

    Anthea Roshan

    Hi! My name is Anthea, and I’m a freshman at UCSD. My major is Neurobiology. I joined PEARL in April of 2024. I became a part of PEARL because I wanted to gain research experience, interact with patients, and deepen my knowledge of treatments for anxiety and depression. In the lab, I am currently responsible for being a phone screener and a confederate.Outside of the lab I like to play sports like basketball, tennis, and spikeball with my friends, thrift, read, discover new music and new food, bake, and travel. In the future, I hope to pursue a medical degree.
  • Bella Agajanian

    Bella Agajanian

    Hi! My name is Bella, and I am a second year at UC San Diego majoring in Human Biology on the pre-medical track. I joined PEARL in April of 2024 because I wanted to gain clinical research experience and learn more about the depth of anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. In the lab, I am currently responsible for phone screening and confederate tasks. Outside of the lab, I like to play pickleball and basketball, go to the beach with my friends, and try new food places! In the future, I hope to go to medical school and become a practicing physician.
  • Sanjana Paul

    Sanjana Paul

    Hi, my name is Sanjana! I am a fourth-year Psychology student with a minor in General Biology at UC San Diego. I joined PEARL in April 2024 to deepen my understanding of how therapeutics for mood and anxiety disorders are evaluated while gaining valuable hands-on experience in clinical research. In the lab, my responsibilities include phone screening, data entry, assisting in brain imaging, and analyzing anxiety-related behaviors in participant tasks. Currently, I am also working on an independent project with PEARL! Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing the piano, hiking, visiting the beach, and playing pickleball. Looking ahead, I aspire to become a practicing physician and specialize in psychiatry, where I can combine my passion for mental health with clinical practice.
  • Sarah Benmalek

    Sarah Benmalek

    Hi Everyone! My name is Sarah. I just recently graduated from Santa Clara University with a Major in Psychology! I joined PEARL soon after my graduation in July 2024. I wanted to join PEARL to enhance my research skills and explore new areas of psychology research. I've always loved psychopharmacology and clinical research so I'm happy to have some new experience. In the lab, I am responsible for both phone screening and confederate work. Outside of this lab I work part-time at a French preschool and love the outdoors, hiking, surfing, crafts and hanging out with my friends! In the future I plan to complete a PhD in either Clinical or Developmental Psychology. I have a lot of experience with bilingual research on children in Spanish and French and hope to focus on cultural or linguistic influences on children and adolescents in my future research. I also love learning about psychopathology, specifically ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety and seeing how our development influences the risk of experiencing these symptoms.
  • Madeline Breaux

    Madeline Breaux

    Hi everyone! My name is Maddie. I am a 3rd year Psychology major at the University of San Diego. I joined PEARL in March 2025 to gain more hands-on experience working in a research lab that focuses on mood and anxiety disorders, since this is a topic I am interested in studying in the future. In the lab, I am currently a phone screener, and I will eventually train to become a confederate. Outside of the lab, I like to run, surf, hike, hang out with friends, and spend time at the beach. In the future, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and specialize my field of research in mood and anxiety disorders; positive emotions, coping and resilience after adjustment periods; factors within psychotherapy (i.e. therapeutic alliance); and the practice-research gap in clinical psychology. After grad school, I have goals to open up my own practice and to continue to research important topics in clinical psychology in order to make a broad impact on mental health. 
  • Trinity Do

    Trinity Do

    Hello, my name is Trinity Do, and I am a second-year Human Health Psychology major at UC San Diego. I joined the PEARL lab in April 2025 to gain hands-on research and clinical experience in a collaborative environment. Currently, I serve as a confederate in the lab. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time at the beach, exploring new coffee shops and restaurants, and watching sunsets. Looking ahead, I aspire to become a Physician Assistant and engage in international healthcare work to support underserved communities around the world.
  • Gio Rodriguez

    Gio Rodriguez

    Hello! My name is Gio and I am currently a third year Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience major with a minor in Biology at UCSD. I joined PEARL in April 2025 to gain more hands-on research within the field of clinical psychology and to deepen my knowledge of stress and anxiety disorders. In the lab, I am currently responsible for phone screening and assisting with brain imaging. When I'm not in the lab, some things I enjoy doing are exercising, playing tennis, watching movies, and reading. In the future, I hope to obtain my M.D and achieve my goal of becoming a licensed psychiatrist to help underrepresented populations who struggle with substance abuse and mood disorders.

Pets

  • Bruiser

    Bruiser

    One of Charlie's two dogs.
  • Fern

    Fern

    One of Charlie's two dogs.
  • Wilbur

    Wilbur

    Wilbur is Ellis’ rescued Staffordshire Terrier mix.  His hobbies include digging holes in the backyard and eating gross things.  
  • Hannah

    Hannah

    Hannah is Ellis’ rescued Shepherd mix.  She enjoys hunting lizards and exploring. 
  • Lupo

    Lupo

    This is Vito's puppy Lupo, who is a mut with some border collie, lab, and some other herding dogs mixed in! He loves having playdates with other dogs, catching his ball, and snuggling with his humans!
  • Niyo

    Niyo

    Niyo is Yian's 1-year-old maltipoo. He runs up and down our sofa like a cat and screams like a human when getting vaccines. Niyo loves his dental treats and cuddling in bed. 
  • Honey

    Honey

    Honey is Siyi's Irish Wolfhound mix. She enjoys chasing birds and swimming in the ocean.
  • Bru

    Bru

    Hi, I'm bru. I am Ahla's 4 year old golden retriever. I love giving handshakes, performing tricks (and getting treats as well :)), going on walks and stealing clothes from laundry baskets!
  • Jax

    Jax

    Jax a.k.a Jaxeus the 1st is Mehar’s 5 year old Siberian forest cat. If motivated with treats, Jax can humor you with a fist bump, high-five, and a spin. 
  • Charlie

    Charlie

  • Lola & Ash

    Lola & Ash

  • Boba

    Boba

    This is Tina's 6 year old maltipoo, Boba. She enjoys long walks and playing catch. Her favorite foods are sweet potato and corn!
  • Tofu

    Tofu

    This is Tina's 5 year old maltipoo, Tofu. She loves belly rubs, sun bathing, and sleeping. She loves people and can never get enough attention!
  • Ricky

    Ricky

    Ricky (Rickimus Mortimus Jr.) is 3 years old and he loves butt pats, chin scratches, and playing fetch with any fuzzy round toy. He also enjoys cuddles and he's deemed the protector of the bed because he sleeps at Brentney's feet. His favorite snack is bread 🍞.
  • Stormi

    Stormi

    Stormi is also 3 and she's a wild child. She's Ricky's cat technically and she lovessss chewing on plastic. Don't let her small size fool you, her meows pack a deep punch. She loves salmon flavored wet treats and string.

Alumni

  • Staff

    Staff

    Alison Sweet
    Tommy Tsai
    Sarah Dowling
    Kim Potter
    Sarah Huang
    Kaitlin Latta
    Karalani Cross
    Alex Skupny
    Alexis Roach
    Margaret Satchwell

    Postdocs

    Matt Boland
    Amanda Kahn

    Visiting Scholars

    Soo-Hee Choi

    PhD Students

    Sarah L. Pearlstein
    Maria Kryza-Lacombe

    Research Assistants and Honors Students

    Zoë Siddall
    Maya Cooper
    Joanna Chen
    Angela Chin
    Victor Fu
    Manmeet Kaur
    Paige Klein
    Ivory Ku
    Nana Pearson
    Bianca Pomar
    Felipe Guerrero
    Kate Elizondo
    Anna Gruszka
    Sumire Lundell
    Chris Kagoo
    Shaira Cruz
    Gage Chu
    Chris Heyman
    Natalie Dalton
    Melea Thomas
    Jenifer Dorsett
    Shayna Quach
    Maya Bunyan
    Iliana Favila-De La Trinidad
    Jasmine Ramirez
    Sarah Knapp
    Mercy Lopez
    Atiyeh Samadi
    Angelica Estrada
    Gregory Pak
    Allison Endo
    Eleni Kapoulea
    Sanskruti Kakaria
    Aaron Tay
    Vivi Dang
    Stephanie Zepeda
    Carl Bolano
    Anna Chen
    Michelle Chang
    Sarah Tran
    Jennifer Alcalde
    Nora Asi
    Melissa Perez-Ruan
    Jessica Foster
    Dina Naji
    Joelle Lam
    Alexis Andom
    Katie Price
    Katie Socha
    Lucia Chen
    Tiara Alvarado
    Deborah May
    Robyn
    Ethan Averbukh
    Gabby Arellano
    Megan
    Ari Goodman
    Alyson Johnson
    Elizabeth Tran-Nguyen
    Lina Choi
    Aly Bartolovich
    Damian Tapia
    Amanda Bruse
    Kari Siu
    Cameron Hicks
    Tom Bowers
    Angie Gross
    Jonny Brekke
    Nick Marshall
    Shivani Vasanth
    Mylon Kemp
    Elizabeth Stewart
    Nirel Ben Joseph
    Sarah Hoffman
    Kaye Han
    Ellis Conner
    Vito Vacirca
    Ivan Lagunas
    Alexa Duran
    Yian He
    Siyi He
    Brentney Reynolds
    Ana Zamudio
    Tina Dang
    Katherine Jamison
    Ana Flores
    Juliana Himawan