People

Caitlyn Yantis, Ph.D. - Principal Investigator

I am an Assistant Professor at Villanova University and director of the Racial Identity, Diversity, and Equity Lab.

My research examines how race and racism operate at individual, interpersonal, and structural levels, with the ultimate goal of informing efforts to mitigate racial inequity and interracial tension. Feel free to browse the Research page for more information on my current projects!

When not in the lab or classroom, I enjoy taking long walks with my dog Coco, listening to podcasts and playing board/card games.

Graduate Researchers

Sam Di Carlo

I am a second-year student in the Master of Psychology program and a graduate assistant in the RIDE lab.

My main areas of research interest include power and privilege, stereotyping and prejudice, implicit biases, intergroup relations, discrimination, and broadly social justice issues. After Villanova, I hope to pursue my doctorate in Social Psychology and become a professor. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, watching psychological thrillers, and going to concerts!

*Masters Thesis Student

*Mamie Phipps Clark Diversity Research Grant (Psi Chi, 2025)

Nick Ashenfelter

I am a second year graduate student in the Masters of Psychology program here at Villanova University.

I am fascinated by sex—or rather, people that aren't having it—and plan to use my experience in the RIDE lab to complete research as a social psychologist. I am also curious about political polarization and how politically charged experiences form and influence one’s identity. In my free time I enjoy mousekeeping, audiobooks, and thrifting.

*Summer Graduate Research Fellowship Award 2025

Bronagh Power-Cassidy

I am currently a second year in the Psychology MS program here, and a graduate researcher in the RIDE lab here at Villanova University.

My research interests include intergroup conflict and collaboration as well as individual motivation and decision making. Outside of these academic interests, I enjoy playing basketball, and hope to pursue a career as a sports psychologist.

Jillian Umstead

I am currently a second year in the Psychology MS program here, and a graduate researcher in the RIDE lab here at Villanova University.

My research interests include...

Undergraduate Researchers

Nayanna Fluellen

My name is Nayanna Fluellen, and I’m a fourth-year Psychology student at Villanova University, minoring in Japanese Language & Culture.

I have an interest in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and how the intersectionality of identities impacts individuals' reactions to their environments. I plan to pursue graduate studies after completing my undergraduate degree, aiming to work in a workforce, healthcare, or university setting that prioritizes DEI initiatives.

Kyoko Duke

My name is Kyoko Duke. I am a fourth-year B.A. Psychology student on a pre-law track at Villanova University.

I have aspirations of becoming an attorney. Currently, I am an undergraduate Research Assistant at the RIDE Lab. I'm interested in exploring psychological concepts related to implicit biases, the mental processes behind discrimination, and how these factors influence social dynamics. In my free time, I like to read, work out, and dance.

Arthur Martin

My name is Arthur Martin and I am a fourth-year B.S. Psychology major with minors in Cognitive Science and French and Francophone Studies at Villanova University.

I’m an undergraduate research assistant with experience in social and developmental psychological research and am currently aiming towards a PhD and career in either Clinical Psychology or Clinical Neuropsychology. I’m passionate about psychopathology, behavioral health, and am eager to study the intersectionality between psychology and race. I intend to employ cross-culturally relevant approaches in neurological assessments and address disparities in treatment and diagnosis for individuals from underrepresented populations and marginalized communities. My main hobbies include listening to music, exercising, and watching movies

*Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellow (VURF; 2025)

Skyler Johansen

My name is Skyler Johansen.

My main interests are centered around the activities involved in the RIDE lab!