Samira Amirazizi from the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology is the 2022-23 recipient of the James Hong Memorial Fellowship. Established by James’ family to honor his life and memorialize his lasting contributions to the UC Santa Barbara community, the fellowship supports research focused on at-risk youth and school violence, with the goal of helping to prevent violence and promote safety.
Samira Amirazizi is a doctoral candidate in School Psychology working with Dr. Erin Dowdy. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Chapman University. Before coming to UCSB, Samira worked for the Children's Bureau’s school readiness program, where she conducted positive parenting interventions, developmental screenings, and case management services. Her research interests broadly focus on early identification of mental health struggles through screenings, as well as intervention, and prevention services for youth and families. Samira has specific interests in the intergenerational mechanisms of trauma from caregivers to children and mitigating their adverse effects. Her work centers on early childhood mental health, culturally informed parent interventions, and trauma-informed school practices.
