Our Team
Meet the dedicated researchers and staff behind the SHARE Study. Our team brings together expertise in developmental psychology, neuroscience, public health, and lived experience.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Emily Hotez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine & Fielding School of Public Health
Research Director, UC-LEND Program
Dr. Emily Hotez (she/her) is the director of the SHARE study and a professor and researcher at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and Fielding School of Public Health. She also serves as the Research Director for the UC-LEND program, which trains future leaders in neurodiversity.
She conducts both national and international studies focused on supporting the health, well-being, and long-term thriving of autistic people of all ages. Dr. Hotez’s research is grounded in partnership—she works closely with autistic people, families, and communities to ensure that research reflects their needs, goals, and lived experiences.
As the sister of an autistic adult, this work is both personally and professionally meaningful to her. Dr. Hotez has a Ph.D. in developmental psychology. In her free time, she likes traveling, reading, and exploring Los Angeles!
Research Assistants
Graduate Research Assistants
Beverly Yang
Yixin (Beverly) Yang (she/her) is a Ph.D. student studying in Mental and Psychiatric Epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. Her research focuses on mental health, health disparities, and clinical outcomes, with an emphasis on population-based psychiatric epidemiology.
She has contributed to research on disorders of gut–brain interaction, mental health disparities, and patient education, with publications in peer-reviewed journals. She is particularly interested in learning from the SHARE Lab’s community-partnered, strengths-based research approach that centers autistic individuals’ lived experiences and supports long-term well-being.
Lanxin Song
Lanxin Song (she/her) is a PhD candidate in Epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and a Graduate Researcher at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. Her research interests include environmental epidemiology and reproductive & developmental health.
For the SHARE study, Lanxin helped operationalize REDCap surveys, set up SOP, and train student researchers in study protocols. She is excited to be part of the SHARE team and to contribute to research that supports the well-being of autistic individuals and their families.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
David Villalpando
David (he/him) is a fourth-year Psychobiology major. His research interests focus on the connection between stress, neurobiology, and mental health in neurodivergent populations. He hopes to become a Physician Assistant and work in a clinical setting where he can build lasting relationships with patients. He is most excited to be part of the SHARE Study because it aligns with his goals of understanding how health and behavior intersect.
Josh Netsawang
Josh (he/him) is a fourth-year Psychology major interested in the intersection between stress and health outcomes, as well as mental health in neurodivergent communities. He plans to pursue his LMFT and become a psychotherapist. He is excited to contribute to the SHARE Study by developing accessible materials and learning from participants in ways that can help inform future research.
Josie Rose
Josie (she/her) graduated from UCLA in 2025 with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology. Her research interests focus on mental health, especially in under-researched populations. She hopes to become a physician and establish continuity of care with her future patients. She is most excited about contributing to research that provides clarity and understanding to the autistic community, caregivers, and providers.
Laura Wang
Laura (she/her) is a fourth-year psychology major with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. She is interested in studying adverse childhood experiences, emotion regulation, and the health effects of social support. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. to become a clinical psychologist serving children and families. She is extremely grateful to be in the SHARE lab and excited to learn about social determinants of health.
Michael McLean
Michael (he/him) is a fourth-year Psychology major interested in how co-regulation and social treatments can improve outcomes for anxiety and trauma. Before UCLA, he worked in entertainment, as a bookkeeper, and as a massage therapist for over 10 years. He hopes to get a PhD in Clinical Psychology and become a neuropsychologist. He is excited to bring storytelling and a trauma-informed mindset to building community around autism research!
Veronica Espinoza
Veronica (she/her) is a fourth-year Psychobiology student with a minor in Global Health. She would like to become a Physician Assistant specializing in Psychiatry or Emergency Medicine to serve underserved communities. Her research interests are in mental health, women’s health, and their intersections with social determinants of health. She is most excited about interacting with participants and learning about how societal pressures impact neurodivergent health.