2026 MLFP Scholarship Winners
In 2026, a scholarship opportunity was open to students in academic good standing enrolled in their second year of the Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology Program. This scholarship covered the students' tuition & fees for spring quarter 2026. Three awards were given for spring 2026.
David Cuellar
David Cuellar is a first-generation college student, graduating in 2017 from University of California, Santa Barbara, with a B.A. in Sociology and Global Studies. David currently works as a Police Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, assigned to the Media Relations Division as a Public Information Officer. In this role, he represents the department through on-camera interviews with major news outlets, coordinates media access at large-scale events and protests, and manages the department’s social media presence. His responsibilities center on maintaining public safety and shaping departmental messaging to support police-community trust. The MLFP program’s focus on the intersection of the legal system and forensic psychology has deepened his understanding of the diverse communities he serves and strengthened his ability to communicate effectively, de-escalate tense situations, and apply research-based practices in the field. After completing his master’s degree, David hopes to advance within his agency and continue using the psychological principles and evidence-based strategies learned through the MLFP program to better serve his community and enhance his effectiveness in law enforcement.
Karina Franco-Macias
Karina Franco-Macias earned her B.A. in Sociology, cum laude, from the University of California, Riverside in 2023 and currently works as a Trial Legal Assistant for the Federal Public Defender’s Office. In this role, she assists with trial preparation, court filings, and helps ensure cases are effectively prepared for court. As a first-generation student, she proactively sought out resources, developed academic skills independently, and persisted in environments where higher education was not widely encouraged. These experiences deepened her commitment to pursuing advanced education and advocating for broader access to educational and professional opportunities. After completing her Master’s degree in Legal and Forensic Psychology, Karina aims to support a justice system that upholds accountability while recognizing the structural factors shaping behavior and opportunity. Her goal is to work in investigative roles within the criminal justice system, applying psychological principles to enhance communication, assessment, and decision-making with justice-involved individuals navigating complex legal and social challenges. Karina is especially drawn to roles that bridge psychological insight with legal practice.
Silvestre Lopez
Silvestre Lopez is a first-generation college graduate who earned his B.A. in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine in 2020. He currently serves as the Department Manager at Project Youth OC in Orange County, overseeing the Youth Development Department and its two core initiatives: SHORTSTOP, a juvenile diversion program, and Project Self, a college and career success program. Beyond his agency role, Silvestre is a Juvenile Justice Commissioner for the County of Orange, supporting advocacy and oversight efforts for youth in the juvenile justice system. He also facilitates a book club in Juvenile Hall and serves on the Essay and Arts Contest Committee to help elevate youth's voice and expression. After completing his Master’s degree in Legal and Forensic Psychology, Silvestre aims to strengthen his work at Project Youth OC by integrating research into daily practice. In the long term, he hopes to run for local office, such as the school board or city council, to advocate for policies that impact his community.
2025 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Angel Otamendi
- Abigail Rosales
- Carmen Santos
2024 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Carly Kajiwara
- Carolyn Taylor
- Nancy Jimenez
2023 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Akaysia Hill
- Cristian Godinez
- Michelle Sacks
2022 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Amanda Boehrer
- Sienna King
- Sydney Zuiker
2021 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Yuliya Iskendzerava
- Edna Montes
- Andrea Morales-Casasola
2020 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Serenity Cripps
- Clara Ramirez
- Cornise Seawood
2019 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Joi Goynes
- Iris Mejia-Cobian
- Joshua Phillips
- Amanda Wagner