Gerard Lapuente is a Pomona College Class of 2027 student majoring in Psychological Science and Asian American Studies. I'm interested in how culture, social beliefs, and lived experiences shape mental health and well-being, particularly within historically marginalized communities. I'm especially curious about questions involving mental health help-seeking, cultural and internalized beliefs, identity, and how psychological research can connect with healthcare, advocacy, and community change.

Previous research experience: I have gained research experience across psychology, biology, and chemistry through coursework and laboratory projects at Pomona. I have also worked as an undergraduate researcher in the Pomona CRAB Lab, where I have contributed to psychology research during the academic year. Most recently, through SURP and with the mentorship of Professor Sharon G. Goto, I have been developing an independent research project examining crab mentality, internalized beliefs, and mental health help-seeking among Filipino American adults. These experiences have helped me build skills in literature review, study design, data collection, and research development while strengthening my interest in pursuing research beyond Pomona.

How I got started: I got started my freshman year after taking Intro to Psychological Science with Visiting Professor Basanez. She was impressed by a variation I developed of one of her projects and encouraged me to get involved with her SOPAH Lab, which became my first research experience. From there, I pursued additional opportunities, including research with Professor Blocker at CMC and eventually joining Pomona's CRAB Lab with Professors Goto and Lewis, where my first SURP project helped connect my interests with the lab's research.

My interest in independent research grew as I became more involved in psychology, and by spring 2025 I began developing a research relationship with Professor Sharon Goto, who became an ideal mentor for my interests in psychology and Asian American Studies. Overall, I got started by being curious, doing well in my classes, and actively looking for ways to turn that curiosity into research.

Open to being contacted: Yes

Preferred contact: gmlapuente@gmail.com

Advice/notes: Finding research opportunities as an undergraduate; emailing and approaching professors; getting involved in research early; navigating psychology and interdisciplinary research; developing an independent research project; designing surveys and studies; literature reviews; applying for SURP and other research funding; finding faculty mentors; connecting research interests with cultural and community issues; balancing research with coursework and other commitments; and exploring careers that combine research, healthcare, and advocacy.

Links

Location

Miami

Miami, FL, USA