THE BABEL LAB TEAM

Fall 2023 - Present

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Luciana is a junior in the W.A. Franke Honors College pursuing a dual degree in B.S. Neuroscience and Cognitive Science & B.A. Psychology, and minoring in Biochemistry. Her goals after graduation involve pursuing a PhD in either Neuroscience or Neuropsychology. She is a Spanish native speaker who wishes to expand her knowledge in terms of research analysis and writing, as well as learn more about the relationship between bilingualism and learning! Outside the lab, she is a Nu Rho Psi National Honor Society member and current Social Media Director, a Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Ambassador, and a member of the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Association of Students (NSCSAS). Besides academics, Luciana enjoys spending her free time working out at the gym as part of the Girl Gains Club chapter at UA, trying out new dessert recipes or reading her favorite book at a coffee shop!

Fall 2023 - Present

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Isaac is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the UA majoring in neuroscience and cognitive science with a minor in public health and has intentions of applying to nursing school. Post-graduation, Isaac is hoping to apply to medical school or continue nursing at a higher level (DNP). During his time in the BABEL lab, he hopes to learn more about the relationship between speech-language pathology and its effect on bilingual children. Outside of lab, Isaac works on campus at the Campus Closet as a Student Director and is apart of the LOCKS Junior Honorary as the philanthropy chair. Beyond academics, Isaac enjoys going to concerts and trying new coffee shops across Tucson!

Fall 2023 - Present

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Camila Castillo is a second-year master's student at the University of Arizona, specializing in Speech-language Pathology. Camila earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Arizona. As a native Spanish speaker, Camila has always been interested in better understanding the intricacies of cultural diversity and bilingualism, particularly in Spanish and English. Her interest in Speech-Language Pathology stems from her deep-rooted fascination with this field which spans from swallowing disorders, developmental language disorders, acquired language disorders and so much more! Outside the lab, Camila enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and exploring coffee and tea shops in town. 

¡Viva Los Gatos!

Spring 2024 - Present

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Lindsey is a second-year undergraduate student studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences here at the University of Arizona. She is also minoring in Educational Psychology. Her long-term goals consist of attending graduate school to earn her Master’s Degree and pursue a career as a Speech Pathologist. Lindsey is interested in how bilingualism impacts speech development, as well as learning and problem-solving skills inside and outside of a classroom setting. Aside from academics, she likes to spend her free time with her friends and working out at the gym. 

Spring 2024 - Present

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Melissa Romero (elle/ella, they/she) completed their B.S. in Neuroscience & Cognitive Science with an emphasis in language and communication sciences and a minor in Linguistics at the UofA in 2024. She is currently taking prerequisites needed for SLP Master’s Programs. As a Spanish-English bilingual, Melissa has goals of attending graduate school to apply herself as a culturally diverse, bilingual speech pathologist and later involve herself in bilingual pathology research. Through the BABEL lab, Melissa aims to understand the internal mechanisms involved in bilingualism and its intersectional aspects that contribute to education, cognition, and community. Off campus, Melissa works for Kids Up Reading Coaches as a reading tutor. On weekends, you can find them indulging in music shows from local artists, gallery exhibits, film events, and local flea markets.

Spring 2024 - Present

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Marissa is a first-generation college student and rising senior studying Speech Language and Hearing Sciences. She is passionate about improving communication accessibility and outcomes for diverse populations. Currently, Marissa is pursing certification in developmental disabilities via Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disability (UCEDD), deepening her understanding of inclusive support systems. Her future research interest focus on bilingual language acquisition, and she aims to further explore this area in her upcoming master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology. Marissa is committed to contributing to the field and making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with communication disorders. In her free time, she enjoys watching thrillers and reading a good book!

Summer 2024 - Present

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Desirae Cruz (she/her) is a senior at the University of Arizona. Desirae is majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and minoring in Spanish and Special Education and Rehabilitation. Desirae was raised in the borderlands and was raised bilingual. She wishes to attend graduate school and be certified as a Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist to help bring services to often overlooked students. Desirae is interested in the overlap between bilingualism and neurodivergence. She spends most of her free time on campus in the Guerrero Student Center. Desirae is a member of the University of Arizona Coed roller derby team the UA Derby Cats. In her free time Desirae likes reading graphic novels, watching cartoons and playing video games.

Summer 2024 - Present

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Ashley is a senior in the W.A. Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona majoring in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and minoring in Health and Human Values. Ashley is working on her honors thesis within the lab to raise awareness of the experiences BIPOC individuals face trying to enter to field of speech-language pathology. Ashley’s goals after graduation are to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and go on provide services to BIPOC individuals. Outside of the lab, Ashley works as a Resident Assistant for housing and serves as Vice President and Secretary of the Pi Xi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, incorporated which is one of the four historically black sororities.

Fall 2024 - Present

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Melanie Ramirez is a fourth-year student in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences program. Born and raised in Tucson to Mexican immigrant parents, her first language was Spanish and was able to acquire English during elementary school. She aspires to become a bilingual speech-language pathologist, with plans to assist people of all ages throughout her career. Melanie’s primary focus is on understanding the relationship between bilingualism, language acquisition, disorders, and education.

Fall 2024 - Present

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Abby Crandall (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student in the W.A. Franke Honors College, majoring in Speech Language and Hearing Science, as well as Spanish, with an emphasis in Hispanic Linguistics. During her time in the BABEL lab, she hopes to create an intersection between her two majors and learn more about how clinical Speech-Language Pathologists can better serve bilingual populations. Outside the lab, Abby is a tutor at the SALT center. In her free time, she likes to play volleyball with friends, listen to music, and read fantasy books.

Fall 2024 - Present

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Penelope is a Junior studying Speech Language and Hearing Science at The University of Arizona. After completing her bachelor's degree she hopes to receive her graduate degree and become a Speech Language Pathologist. She aims to work in hospitals specifically in pediatric fields. Penelope is a Tucson native but has the experience of living in Spanish-speaking countries such as Peru and Chile. Growing up in a bilingual household she is interested in learning how two languages from a young age impacts speech development. Aside from academics, Penelope works at Campus Rec as an Aquatics Supervisor and is a part of NSSLHA. She is an avid Western lover and has recently picked up line dancing as a hobby!

Spring 2025 - Present

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Tyanna Chase is a sophomore at the University of Arizona studying Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies, in the College of Science. Tyanna is an Afro-Latina from Flagstaff, AZ who is fluent in both English and Spanish. After graduating, Tyanna wants to purse her Master’s to become a Speech Therapist. During her time in the BABEL lab, Tyanna hopes to learn more about how bilingualism influences development in children and adults. In her free time, she likes to bake, read, attend sporting events and traveling!

Spring 2025 - Present

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Ava is a freshman pursuing a Neuroscience and Cognitive Science major, and a minor in French. She grew up in an English-speaking home and learned Spanish very young, which later helped her learn French. She hopes to learn more about how bilingualism affects the brain, especially during adolescence, and to better understand disorders. Besides academics, Ava likes to cook, go to the gym, and spend time with family, friends, and animals.