Lianne Barnes

Lianne Barnes


Why do you think it is important to study diversity and inclusion?

If we truly want to understand human experience, we need to understand all human experience. There is a vast, rich world that has been largely ignored by science until recently. More than that, however, is our obligation as scientists to improve people’s lives, and we can only do that if we study those who have been left behind.

Describe a time you felt socially connected to UCLA?
There is an organization in our department called UGSP (Underrepresented Graduate Students in Psychology), in which students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students who have experienced adversity all help each other navigate academia and provide a space to vent and bond. UGSP helped me feel socially connected and supported when I arrived here.