About Me

I am a dedicated psychology student at Texas A&M University, with a strong academic foundation and a passion for understanding human development, interpersonal relationships, and family dynamics. My research interests include marriage and family therapy, child and adolescent development, and socio-cultural influences on family relationships. As an Undergraduate Research Scholar, I am currently working on a thesis exploring care within families, with a focus on parents' experiences in caregiving and care-receiving.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have gained practical experience through various roles, including serving as a teaching scholar, summer camp counselor, and assistant manager. I am also deeply involved in campus life, holding leadership positions such as Honors Sophomore Advisor and captain of the PhilSA IM flag football team. My extracurricular activities also include performing as a cultural dancer for PhilSA, playing the clarinet for Texas A&M University Symphonic Winds, and contributing as a journalist for Her Campus.

I am committed to making a meaningful impact in the field of psychology and look forward to continuing my education, gaining more research experience, and pursuing opportunities that allow me to help others heal and grow.

  • 2022 - 2025
    Texas A&M University

    • Bachelor of Science – Psychology Major and Neuroscience Minor – Healthy Development Certificate – Psychology of Diversity Certificate
    • GPA: 3.943
    • Dean’s Honors Roll – Spring/Fall 2023, Spring 2024
    • Distinguished Student – Fall 2023, Spring 2024

  • Summer 2024
    Italy Education Abroad Program

    • Spent a summer abroad under the TAMU Psychological and Brain Sciences Department led by a faculty member.
    • Received honors credit for Psychology of Women and Psychology of Cultural and Diversity.
    • Strengthened skills in cross-cultural communication, cultural awareness, adaptability, and problem solving.

  • July 2023 - Aug. 2024
    Summer Camp Counselor, Southlake Tutoring Academy

    • Ensured the children’s safety, development, growth, skill achievement, and general well-being.
    • Managed conflict and counseled children in distress.
    • Supervised young campers from ages 4-12.
    • Taught and tutored campers under a developmentally appropriate curriculum.

  • Sept. 2022 - May 2024
    Trainer and Barista, Starbucks Hullabaloo

    • Taught employees how to properly prepare drinks and food.
    • Modeled and emphasized quality customer service and work ethic for coworkers.
    • Constructed a variety of Starbucks drinks, as well as worked the register and hot food.
    • Utilized multi-tasking, organization, and marketing skills.

  • May 2023 - Jan. 2024
    Seasonal Assistant Manager – Full Time, Cinemark Roanoke and XD

    • Trained and coached team members.
    • Supported and relayed information from the general manager to the staff.
    • Delegated and facilitated the team to ensure high-quality service and maximize sales.
    • Strengthened in team management, time management, conflict resolution, and data analysis.

  • June 2022 - Aug. 2022
    Team Member, Cinemark Roanoke and XD

    • Worked as concession main, concession register, concession SIAT, usher podium, usher, and bartender.
    • Strengthened in communication skills, customer service, multi-tasking, and teamwork.

  • Aug. 2024 - Present
    Undergraduate Teaching Scholars

    • Present lecture to undergraduate class over research methods and statistics.
    • Provide academic support for instructor and students.
    • Provide office hours and review sessions for students regarding course material.
    • Proctor and grade quizzes/exams.

  • Aug. 2023 - May 2024
    Honors Sophomore Advisor

    • Conducted one-on-one checkups with honors freshmen.
    • Ensured the physical and mental health of honors freshmen.
    • Helped guide freshmen to adjust to life at Texas A&M.
    • Taught weekly comprehensive career readiness classes.
    • Planned and facilitated events to build community within the honors program.

  • Aug. 2023 - May 2024
    IM Flag Football Captain

    • Lead football practices and facilitated intramural games.
    • Recruited players for both women and co-ed teams, and stood as the representation and voice for the women players on the team.

  • Oct. 2024 - May 2025
    Scotty’s House – Child Advocacy Center

    • Work as a Family Care Volunteer providing comfort and support for child victims and hurting families.
    • Assist therapists with clients.
    • Provide support for the counseling program by monitoring the waiting area.

  • Feb. 2024 - Present
    Mountain Valley Fellowship Nursery

    • Provide love and care to infants in the nursery during service.
    • Help ensure the safety and comfort of both infants and parents.
    • Facilitate and promote the developmental growth of the infants.

  • March 2023 - March 2024
    The Big Event

    • Served the community in College Station and Bryan area.
    • Worked as a volunteer worker in student-run service projects.
    • Completed household and yardwork projects for numerous residents while building morale within the community.

  • Dec. 2023
    Cindy Ramsey Center Mobile Market Food Pantry

    • Helped load groceries in hundreds of cars to help provide food for neighbors in need.
    • Worked to fulfill The Met Church’s local mission to provide for the community of Keller/Fort Worth and beyond.

Research Experience

Aug. 2024 - Present

Undergraduate Research Scholars Thesis Program Undergraduate Research Scholar
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Allegra J. Midgette
In my senior year, I took on the challenge of completing my honors CAPSTONE through the Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) Thesis program. My thesis explores the experiences of mothers and fathers in caregiving and care-receiving, drawing on feminist care theory and caring masculinities. Under the mentorship of Principal Investigator Dr. Allegra Midgette, I am currently collecting qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and will later conduct thematic analysis informed by relevant literature. In Spring 2025, I will present my findings at the TAMU URS Symposium and have my thesis published in the Texas A&M OAKTrust Repository.

Jan. 2024 - Present

Moral Development Lab Research Assistant
Principal Investigator: Dr. Allegra J. Midgette
The Moral Development Lab explores how children, adolescents, young adults, and families understand issues of equality, justice, and care within the family, society, and across cultural communities. As a research assistant, I manage and conduct interviews with participants ranging from 5 to 50 years old. My responsibilities also include recruiting participants both virtually and in-person, as well as coding and transcribing data. During my time at the Moral Development Lab, I have been able to grow in my research abilities, including data analysis, time management, and communication.

Extracurriculars

University Honors Program

2022-present

Worked in a more rigorous curriculum under esteemed professors. Actively participated in community events and enriching experiences.

TAMU Filipno Student Association (PhilSA)

2022-present

Participated as a leader, cultural dancer, and active member under the largest Asian student association on campus. Helped challenge and build my leadership and athletic skills, as well as provide me a community with a diverse group of people and cultures.

Her Campus

2024-present

Worked as a journalist under the Writing and Editing Committee for the TAMU Chapter. Had the privilege to publish multiple articles throughout the year that helped challenge and grow my writing skills.

IM Flag Football

2022-present

Played in multiple defense positions for the PhilSA women’s and co-ed team. Gave me the opportunity to put myself out of my comfort zone and strengthen communication skills within a team.

Campus Ministry

2022-present

Participated in weekly small groups that strengthened my spirituality. Was given the chance to grow meaningful relationships and foster impactful conversations.

TAMU Symphony Winds

2022-2024

Played as a clarinet with the privilege to perform in a challenging yet fun music program. This program allowed me to continue my passion for music and performing in a band.

APIDA Heritage Month Fashion Show Runway Model

Spring 2023

Had the privilege to open the annual fashion show down the runway to represent my Chinese heritage. This was a gratifying experience that empowered me to embrace my identity.

Research Projects

How do U.S. Mothers and Fathers Experience Giving and Receiving Care Within the Family?
(In Progress)

Research has investigated how mothers, and more recently fathers, experience providing care. This present study aims to contribute to the literature by investigating not only how mothers and fathers consciously provide care, but how they themselves feel cared for.

Families Across Species: Understanding Adoption Causes and Effects on Non-Human Primates and the Implications for Human Adoption Psychology
(2023)

Constructed a literature review to understand adoption behaviors in non-human primates, focusing on the psychological and physiological effects on the adoptive primates and the social and evolutionary motivations from the parents.

Sex in the Eyes of a Generation:
The Impact America’s Sex Education Holds on Generation Z
(2023)

Collected data from 288 eligible participants and examined the current knowledge Generation Z holds on sex, sexual health, and identified the different factors that may have influenced the breadth of their sex education.

Contact Me

kayliesauceda@hotmail.com

(972) 658-7666

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