THE BABEL LAB TEAM

Our research team is composed of highly motivated and committed undergraduate and graduate students across the fields of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Neuroscience, and Cognitive Science. These students, as the Lab Research Assistants, help move our research projects forward and also learn to put together resources for the community about a variety of topics related to bilingual learning and development. Each member of our team brings a unique perspective and skill set to our research projects, working collaboratively to achieve our goals.

LAB ADMINISTRATION

Genesis Arizmendi, PhD, CCC-SLP

Dr. Genesis Arizmendi is the director & the Principal Investigator (PI) of the BABEL Lab.

Learn more about Dr. Arizmendi!

Trianna Oglivie, PhD, CCC-SLP

Dr. Trianna Oglivie is a Research Scientist and Community Partnerships and Lab Operations Lead.

Learn more about Dr. Oglivie!

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

Melissa Romero

Spring 2024 - Present

Melissa Romero (elle/ella, they/she) completed their B.S. in Neuroscience & Cognitive Science with an emphasis in language and communication sciences and a minor in Linguistics at the UofA in 2024. She is currently a first-year Master's student. As a Spanish-English bilingual, Melissa has goals of attending graduate school to apply herself as a culturally diverse, bilingual speech pathologist and later involve herself in bilingual pathology research. Through the BABEL lab, Melissa aims to understand the internal mechanisms involved in bilingualism and its intersectional aspects that contribute to education, cognition, and community. Off campus, Melissa works for Kids Up Reading Coaches as a reading tutor. On weekends, you can find them indulging in music shows from local artists, gallery exhibits, film events, and local flea markets.

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Melanie Ramirez

Fall 2024 - Present

Melanie Ramirez is a first-year Master's student. Born and raised in Tucson to Mexican immigrant parents, her first language was Spanish and was able to acquire English during elementary school. She aspires to become a bilingual speech-language pathologist, with plans to assist people of all ages throughout her career. Melanie’s primary focus is on understanding the relationship between bilingualism, language acquisition, disorders, and education.

Sofia Fabi

Summer 2025 - Present

Sofia Fabi is a second year Speech Language Pathology graduate student at the University of Arizona. She completed her B.S. in Speech Language Hearing Sciences with a minor in Business at the University of Texas at Austin. As a Filipino-American, Sofia has always been fascinated by cultural and linguistic diversity, as English, Spanish, and Tagalog were commonly used in her community. Sofia is primarily interested in adult neurogenic disorders and observing cultural and linguistic factors in healthcare. At the BABEL Lab, Sofia is currently exploring various barriers to the inclusion of bilingual adults in research. After graduation, Sofia hopes to embrace multilingualism both academically in research and clinically as a Speech Language Pathologist.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

Luciana Rafaela

Antezana Delgado

Fall 2023 - Present

Luciana is a senior in the W.A. Franke Honors College pursuing a dual degree in B.S. Neuroscience and Cognitive Science & B.A. Psychology, and minoring in Biochemistry. Her goals after graduation involve pursuing a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience. She is a Peruvian international student who wishes to expand her knowledge in terms of research analysis and writing, as well as the relationship between bilingualism and the brain! Outside the lab, she is a Nu Rho Psi National Honor Society member and current Social Media Director, a Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Peer Mentor, and a member of the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Association of Students (NSCSAS). Besides academics, Luciana enjoys spending her free time working out at the gym as part of the Girl Gains Club chapter at UA, trying out new dessert recipes or reading her favorite book at a coffee shop!

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Abby Crandall

Fall 2024 - Present

Abby Crandall (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student in the W.A. Franke Honors College, majoring in Speech Language and Hearing Science, as well as Spanish, with an emphasis in Hispanic Linguistics. During her time in the BABEL lab, she hopes to create an intersection between her two majors and learn more about how clinical Speech-Language Pathologists can better serve bilingual populations. Outside the lab, Abby is a tutor at the SALT center. In her free time, she likes to play volleyball with friends, listen to music, and read fantasy books.

Penelope Sainz

Fall 2024 - Present

Penelope is a senior studying Speech Language and Hearing Science at The University of Arizona. After completing her bachelor's degree she hopes to receive her graduate degree and become a Speech Language Pathologist. She aims to work in hospitals specifically in pediatric fields. Penelope is a Tucson native but has the experience of living in Spanish-speaking countries such as Peru and Chile. Growing up in a bilingual household she is interested in learning how two languages from a young age impacts speech development. Aside from academics, Penelope works at Campus Rec as an Aquatics Supervisor and is a part of NSSLHA. She is an avid Western lover and has recently picked up line dancing as a hobby!

Tyanna Chase

Spring 2025 - Present

Tyanna Chase is a junior at the University of Arizona in the College of Science, studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Tyanna is an Afro-Latina from Flagstaff, AZ, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. After graduating, Tyanna plans to pursue her master’s degree to become a Speech Language Pathologist. During her time in the BABEL Lab, she hopes to learn more about how bilingualism influences development in both children and adults.

Outside of the lab, she serves as the President of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., one of the Divine 9 sororities on campus. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading, attending sporting events, and traveling!

Ava Haga

Spring 2025 - Present

Ava is a sophomore pursuing a Neuroscience and Cognitive Science major, and a minor in French. She grew up in an English-speaking home and learned Spanish very young, which later helped her learn French. She hopes to learn more about how bilingualism affects the brain, especially during adolescence, and to better understand disorders. Besides academics, Ava likes to cook, go to the gym, and spend time with family, friends, and animals.

Fernanda Delgado

Summer 2025 - Present

Fernanda Delgado (she/her/ella) is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, with minors in Spanish and Human Development and Family Sciences. She realized from a very young age the beauty and value of being bilingual, which inspired her passion for language and communication. Fernanda plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology with the goal of serving underserved communities. Outside of the lab, she enjoys expressing her creativity through jewelry-making, crocheting, baking, and attending live music events.

Dania Cruz

Fall 2025 - Present

Dania Cruz (she/her/ella) is a senior at the University of Arizona in the College of Science, studying Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. As a bilingual Mexican-American, Dania has always been interested in the value of different cultures and languages. After graduating, Dania plans to pursue a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology and help deliver culturally responsive mental health services. During her time in the lab, Dania hopes to learn how bilingualism can be incorporated in the healthcare system and gain professional skills to ensure equity as a clinician. Outside of the lab, she interns at the Behavioral Health Clinic as well as the Crisis Text Line among other extracurriculars. She also loves going to the movies and traveling!

Marco Vargas

Fall 2025 - Present

Marco Vargas (He/Him/El) is a senior at the University of Arizona College of Science, pursuing a major in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. As a Spanish English speaker, Marco plans to continue his education after graduation through a SLP Master’s program with the goal of providing bilingual services and resources to communities in need. Through the BABEL Lab, he aims to better understand the role of bilingualism in education learning, language cognition and development. Outside of the lab, Marco enjoys spending time with family/friends, coaching and having movie marathons.

Gabriela Navarro

Spring 2026 - Present

Gabriela Navarro (she/her/ella) is an undergraduate and accelerated master’s program (AMP) student at the University of Arizona. She is majoring in Spanish; Psychology; Learning, Leadership and Literacy. With her AMP is in Educational Psychology. As a Mexican-American, Gabriela has always been driven by her passion about exploring the ways that bilingualism affects the brain development in young children. During her time at the lab, Gabriela hopes to find better ways to bring support and aid bilingual learners as they traverse through two different worlds.

Marianna Martinez

Spring 2026 - Present

Marianna Martinez (She/Her/Ella) is a first-year student at the University of Arizona’s W.A. Franke Honors College, double-majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Spanish with an emphasis in Translation and Interpretation. As a native Tucsonan, Marianna has been involved in her community from a young age volunteering in a speech therapy summer program, the metropolitan education commission, and the TRiO Upward Bound in partnership with the University of Arizona’s College of Education. Marianna growing up in a Hispanic household and receiving early and late education in South Tucson meant being connected with her culture and native language, Spanish. Marianna being bilingual and bicultural meant crossing borders almost every Saturday to Nogales, Sonora to visit family and feeling connected to her biculturalism. In Marianna's free time, she likes to hike, paint, play tennis, and be around family.

Katherine Berntsen

Spring 2026 - Present

Katherine Berntsen (she/her/ella) is a sophomore at the University of Arizona, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Spanish and Emergency Medical Services, and is a part of the W.A. Franke Honors College. Growing up as a multilingual student, she has always been interested in how bilingualism and different cultures can act as assets to our communities. Katherine is passionate about providing culturally responsive clinical and community-based care to marginalized communities, and this is something she hopes to pursue in clinical settings in the future. Outside of the lab, Katherine is involved in clinical research in the emergency department at Banner University Medical Center, among other extracurriculars. She also enjoys spending time with friends, staying active, traveling, and scrapbooking.

Kat Coppes

Spring 2026 - Present

Kat Coppes (they/them/elle) is a junior at the University of Arizona School of Art, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Design Arts and Practices. They are working at the BABEL Lab as an in-house graphic designer. Coming from a border town themselves, Kat resonates with the mission of the lab and their focus on studying multiculturalism and bilingualism. With an enthusiasm for integrating science and art, Kat hopes to use their artistic skills to aid the lab’s goal in expanding their reach into the community.