Emely Lugo

Emely N. Lugo (she/ella) is a first-year doctoral student in the School Psychology Program at UC Berkeley's School of Education (BSE).

Before joining BSE, Emely pursued her studies in Psychology and Child Development at California State University, San Bernardino. Her research investigated the efficacy of computerized cognitive training in supporting the development of critical cognitive functions such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed, which are vital for academic success. She also explored the role of motivation in the effectiveness of cognitive training for at-risk students within the K-12th grade school context.

Emely is currently researching ways schools can promote educational equity for bilingual and marginalized students of color. Her research intends to understand the everyday experiences of Latinx communities within the K-12 education system. This understanding will help her contribute to the development of culturally responsive academic and mental health resources for students, especially those from immigrant families who may be at risk of facing immigration proceedings. She also aims to understand best practices in school psychology when working with bilingual Spanish-speaking students and seeks to advance her skills as a Spanish-speaking practitioner.

In her free time, Emely enjoys hiking, camping, running with her dog, visiting National Parks, and spending time with loved ones.