Research, Assessment and Evaluation

Feliz Quinones is the Assistant Director of AAP Research, Assessment and Evaluation, where she coordinates the management, development, and administration of AAP-wide survey efforts and assessment projects. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz and her Ph.D. and M.A. in Education, with a concentration in Human Development and Psychology, from UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. Prior to joining RAE, Feliz was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley’s Institute of Human Development and taught research methods at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She brings extensive research, mentoring, and teaching experience to the RAE team.

Ramon Flores is a Graduate Student Researcher in the Research, Assessment and Evaluation (RAE) Unit in AAP. Ramon is a PhD Candidate in Human Development and Psychology in the Department of Education at UCLA. His research interests include examining and addressing the disproportionate disciplining/punishment of Latinx students in K-12 education. Ramon earned a BA in Psychology from Pitzer College and MA in Psychological Research from CSULB.

Akayla is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she has observed the ways in which communities of color are marginalized, both in medicine and other areas of society. Akayla became involved with AAP through her participation in the Freshman Summer Program and has remained active in the program throughout her time at UCLA. With a passion for improving healthcare access and equity, she plans to attend medical school after completing her undergraduate studies, with a focus on anesthesiology. Outside of academics, Akayla enjoys traveling, cooking, baking, and playing musical instruments.

Nana Gwira is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in political science. He was originally born in Tema, Ghana, but moved to the US when he was three years old and has lived in Riverside California ever since. He is actively involved in the Black Fitness Society on campus and plans on joining more organizations in the future. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Nana plans on pursuing a career in business analytics in hopes of launching his own business in the future. In his free time, Nana likes to make/design clothes, listen to music, and play basketball.

Charletta Maria Royster-McNeish, affectionately known as Chachie is a 4th-year transfer student majoring in Sociology with a double minor in Education Studies and Community Engagement & Social Change. After entering UCLA through the 2023 Transfer Summer Program (TSP), Chachie immediately dived into research through the Carter-Huggins Social Justice research cohort. She developed qualitative research incorporating her lived experiences as a Black, Afro-Latina, Non-traditional, First-Gen, System-Impacted Student with Dependents from Southcentral Los Angeles. Chachie also began working as a peer advisor with the UCLACenter for Community College Partnership (CCCP), where she has paid it forward by supporting potential students with the application and transfer process. In the Winter of 2023, Chachie was accepted into the Chancellor’s Leadership, Innovation, Networking, and Knowlege (LINK) program where she gained specialized training and exposure to university administration. She is also a founding mother of the UCLA social club and podcast, Lifelong Learners, a student-led club for middle-aged students. As a Senior Bruin, Chachie is destined for graduate school while breaking generational barriers to diverse educational attainment. Chachie’s future aspirations are at the forefront of higher education and social transformation.

Alondra is a first-generation second-year undergraduate student majoring in Human Biology and Society and double majoring in Sociology. Raised in Calexico, CA, a town situated on the border between the United States and Mexico, she brings a unique perspective to UCLA. Alondra became involved in AAP at the start of her undergraduate career through her participation in the Freshman Summer Program in 2023. Currently, she works as a Student Supervisor at The Study at Hedrick, where she oversees daily operations and supports fellow students in creating a welcoming dining environment. After graduating from UCLA, Alondra plans to pursue a Master of Social Work, aiming to make a positive impact in her community and beyond.

Edward Rodriguez is a third-year undergraduate student double majoring in Public Affairs & Education and Social Transformation from Reedley, CA. Edward became an AAP member through the Freshman Summer Program. In addition to being a research assistant for the RAE team, Rodriguez is an Advising Fellow with UCLA Matriculate, a Peer-mentor with UCLA’s Leadership and Education for All Foundation (LEAF), and many other things. He currently works with the UCLA Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) as a Bruin Advisor providing more information about accessing higher education to students in LAUSD. Rodriguez plans on pursuing a career in the field of education whether that be policy, research, or institutional administration. He spends his free time going on walks, exploring LA, exercising, and journaling.