About Me

My name is Gabrielle Ruiz-Yeager, and I am a student at the University of California, Berkeley. As a first-generation college student from California's Central Valley, I am passionate about research, advocacy, and creating opportunities for underserved communities. Through my academic work, leadership experiences, and community involvement, I strive to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.

Web Development

Web development has been a long-standing interest of mine and has allowed me to combine creativity with problem-solving. I attended the Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART), where I completed a web development course certified by the Fresno County Department of Education that focused on website design, coding, and career preparation. Through this program, I gained experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, user interface design, and professional project development. In addition to my coursework at CART, I attended The Coding School, where I further developed my technical skills and explored programming concepts beyond the classroom. Since then, I have continued building websites for small businesses, nonprofit organizations, personal projects, and portfolio development. Creating websites has allowed me to strengthen both my technical abilities and my understanding of how thoughtful design can improve accessibility, communication, and user experience. This portfolio is one example of how I enjoy combining design, technology, and creativity to create meaningful digital experiences.

CV document

Research

My research interests focus on mental health, substance use recovery, higher education, and social equity. In my Psychology 101 research project, I conducted an original study examining the relationship between the federal immigration policy climate and students' access to on-campus academic and support services. Through survey-based research and statistical analysis, I explored how feelings of belonging, safety, and institutional support can influence students' willingness and ability to utilize campus resources. In addition to this work, I am a Miller Scholar conducting research on stimulant use disorder, recovery, and barriers to treatment. My current interests include examining challenges associated with stimulant withdrawal, access to recovery support services, and improving outcomes for individuals navigating recovery. Through my research, I hope to contribute to evidence-based solutions that promote student well-being, equitable access to resources, and stronger support systems for underserved communities.