Team
Dr. Daniel Cooper
Daniel Cooper is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Carolina. He is also affiliated with the Research Center for Child Well-Being, a newly funded research center with the mission to reduce mental and physical health problems for children ages 2-10. He received his Ph.D. in Family Social Science with a specialization in Couple and Family Therapy and Prevention Science from the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on using innovative methods to improve the mental health and resilience of minoritized children affected by adversity (e.g., racism, traumatic events). In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, exercising, traveling, listening to podcasts, and playing tennis.
Jayxa Alonzo
Jayxa is a third-year PhD student in the Clinical Community Psychology Doctoral program at the University of South Carolina. Prior to coming to USC, Jayxa worked at Montefiore Medical Center as a Lab Manager for the Pediatric Behavioral Health Integration Program in the Bronx, NY. Jayxa holds her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Bioethics from Fordham University (2017). Jayxa’s research interest include parenting and early childhood interventions, specifically how the intricate dynamics of parent-child relationships and various parenting styles can impact children’s socio-emotional development. In addition, Jayxa’s interest for research in parenting has also led to her interest in attachment theory, positive parenting practices, the role of culture in parenting, and evidence-based interventions aimed at fostering healthy child development.
Francesca Lupini
Francesca is a first year PhD student in the Clinical-Community Psychology Doctoral program at the University of South Carolina. Prior to coming to USC, Francesca worked as a research coordinator at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. Francesca obtained her B.S./M.S. in Experimental Psychology from Saint Joseph’s University in 2020/2021, with a focus in pediatric sleep. Her research interests lie in racial ethnic socialization, pediatric psychology, child sleep, and promoting health equity, particularly among chronic illness populations. In her free time, Francesca enjoys cooking, thrifting, and spending time in nature.
Subina Saini
Subina serves as the Project Coordinator for the ROOTS study. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Departmental Honors from Clemson University and a Master of Science in Medical Sciences from the Medical University of South Carolina. Her research background includes training in cognitive psychology, clinical translational biotechnology, human-computer interaction for aging populations, and health promotion initiatives. Before joining USC, Subina contributed to a medical technology startup, where she worked on developing an innovative fluorescent biomarker for enhanced colorectal cancer detection during surgery. Subina is passionate about evidence-based strategies to support community health, with a particular focus on serving minoritized populations. Her career goal is to become an oncology pharmacist, aiming to directly impact patient care and contribute to new cancer treatments through clinical trials. Outside of her professional pursuits, Subina actively engages in community service through her family’s non-profit organization, the Santosh Pal Foundation. In her leisure time, she enjoys trying new recipes and sketch artistry.
Tracey Goldson
Tiffany Johnson
Tiffany, MSW has over a decade of experience in human services. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Claflin University in sociology with a minor in gerontology and her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in Social Work. Tiffany has worked with many diverse populations, such as single unemployed parents, people impacted by mental health and homelessness, childhood trauma, and disabilities. She has a passion to serve those whose voice is not heard and plans to utilize her counseling background to serve underserved women of color by educating them and guiding them through their postpartum period. Tiffany also focuses on training on childhood trauma using Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through her consulting business, Tiffany Ch’ree Consulting, and plans to incorporate this into her postpartum families. Her motto is: Why shoot for a star when I’m already one?
Jemssys Herrera
Alexis Guinyard-Shuler
Alexis is a School Counselor for Richland One School District and a Parent Coach for The ROOTS Study. She is originally from Orangeburg, South Carolina and obtained her Master’s Degree from South Carolina State University. She has been a School Counselor for six years, with 15 years of experience working with families and in the community. She also has background experience in law enforcement as a Victim Advocate. She enjoys mentoring students and advocating for families. In the future, she plans to open a non-profit organization and obtain her counseling license. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, and binge-watching her favorite TV shows and movies.
Valentina Escobar
Valentina is a junior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Psychology and minoring in counseling education and social work. She is currently working as an undergraduate research assistant at the ROOTS lab where she aims to deepen her understanding of the effects of childhood adversities on minoritized children. In the future, she hope to further her education by obtaining a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and potentially work with children. In her free time, Valentina likes to spend time with her family, try new foods, and workout.
America Fernandez-Gamboa
America is an Undergraduate Student at the University of South Carolina majoring in Psychology with a Social Work minor. She is interested in exploring how one’s racialized experiences and demographics affect their health and well-being. In the future, she hopes to continue her education and receive her Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology and one day become a clinical psychologist. In her free time, she loves to listen to live music and go to concerts with friends.
Jada Mobley
Jada is an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina Upstate majoring in Psychology with a minor in Child Advocacy Studies and a research assistant in the ROOTS Lab. She has a passion for cognitive studies and exploring the ways in which upbringing, daily influences, and physical interactions affect the brain. In the future, she plans to pursue a PhD in cognitive neural sciences and one day become a neuropsychologist. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, and playing sports with her family.
Parth Dave
Parth Dave is a sophomore biology major and pre-med student at the University of South Carolina and is a research assistant in the ROOTS Lab. As a first-generation college student and McNair Scholar, Parth is passionate about improving health outcomes in rural communities through prevention science and research. He brings a unique perspective shaped by his upbringing in a rural area and his interest in resilience-oriented approaches to support minoritized families. Outside of academics, Parth enjoys exploring nature and learning new languages.
