Two Clinical Psychology PhD students and members of the Mindful Health & Resilience Lab were awarded Varela Grants from the Mind and Life Institute in consecutive years. 

In 2024, Alicia Vasquez, MS was awarded $8,053 to support her dissertation study entitled Voces de la Comunidad: MBRP Providers’ Considerations for Culturally Responsive Treatment with Latinx Communities. 

In 2025, Marissa Ferry, MA was awarded $13,465 to support her dissertation study entitled Cultivating Awareness and Racial Empowerment (CARE) for Families: Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mindful Parenting and Racial Socialization Intervention.