Alexis David Lopez-Rodriguez, a third-year psychology B.S. major at UC Irvine, is the recipient of a Social Sciences Education Enhancement Scholarship. The funding supported his research trip and participation in the 2025 National Latinx Psychological Association annual conference held Oct. 17-18 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, TX. Below, the active Anteater from Escondido expands on his UCI experience and plans post-grad.

What inspired you to pursue psychology, and what drew you to study it at UCI? As you approach graduation, what excites you most about your current work and where you hope it will take you next?

As a youth, I witnessed how mental health was seen as taboo, causing my Latine community to remain silent when experiencing mental health concerns. I realized there was a lack of Spanish-speaking mental health providers as well. Growing up surrounded by the mental health stigma and seeing the mental health of individuals be exacerbated because of the inaccessibility to treatment made me want to pursue the field of psychology. I chose UCI because of the opportunities to engage with my community through research and organizations, such as the Latinx Student Psychological Association (LSPA). I will graduate in 2027, attend graduate school, and begin my journey towards becoming a counseling or clinical psychologist.

Looking back on your time at UCI, what accomplishments are you most proud of, and how have your experiences in campus or community activities shaped your journey here?

Throughout my first two years at UCI, I worked to expand a passion project I founded called Soñando Sin Miedo, where I co-direct initiatives to increase access to higher education for those identifying as first-generation, low-income Latines, or unhoused Latines, who aspire to attend university. My co-director, Cynthia, and I started an Instagram for Soñando Sin Miedo (@sonandosinmiedo) to increase visibility for seemingly hidden educational opportunities, such as scholarships and career development programs. We received the Donald A. Strauss Scholarship, which enabled Soñando Sin Miedo to become a non-profit organization and provided seed money to continue supporting these communities in innovative ways. I have helped students apply to scholarships and win enough money to be able to attend and graduate college debt-free, which is what I consider to be my biggest accomplishment.

Currently, I am the Co-President of the Latinx Student Psychological Association, a Life Coach for the UCI Counseling Center, a Peer Health Educator for the Center for Student Wellness and Health Promotion, Co-director and Social Media Coordinator for Soñando Sin Miedo, a TA for a research course, a lead researcher for The Academic Freedom Train Lab, a student under CHC, and a research assistant for projects outside of UCI. Some of my past involvements include the previous activities, but I was also in UCI’s Summer Program in Research and Leadership (SPIRL) and Summer Bridge. 

Tell us a little bit about your research. What are you studying?

I am conducting a qualitative research project through The Academic Freedom Train Lab, which is advised by Dr. Jeanett Castellanos, examining the role of abuelas in the self-love process of queer Latinos. This project is also being supported by UCI’s Honors Program in Cognitive Sciences and Psychology.

Who has played an important mentorship role in your life thus far and why? Specifically at UCI?

Dr. Jeanett Castellanos has been an important mentor for me, as she has shown me what it’s like to be believed in. Through her guidance, which has been pivotal for me as a first-generation, low-income student, she has reinforced my idea of not settling when it comes to my education, equipping me with her network of scholar activists to reach my goal of earning a doctorate.

What challenges or hurdles have you faced in getting to where you are today?

I have faced challenges because of my identity as a first-generation, low-income queer Latino. Growing up, I was told that I was not capable of making it into higher education. This only grew my desire to pursue a B.S. in psychology.

Where can you most often be found on campus?

Probably at SBSG 1321, where LSPA meets, or at Phoenix Food Court, grabbing a chicken burrito before class.

What’s your best memory thus far from your undergraduate experience at UCI?

Seeing the excitement from my friend and co-director of Soñando Sin Miedo, Cynthia, as we received a call from The Donald A. Strauss Scholarship Foundation, sharing the news that we were selected to receive $15k in funding.