Aya L. Caballero
Email: caballeroa2@vcu.edu
Pronouns: She/her
Find me on: Instagram
Aya L. Caballero, M.A., is a third-year PhD student and Fulbright U.S. Student Program recipient. She holds a master’s degree in psychology from New York University and brings an interdisciplinary background spanning behavioral neuroscience, developmental psychology, social work and race and identity scholarship.
Her early research examined the relationship between corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 (CRF1) expression and anxiety-like behaviors during the postpartum period, contributing to published research on maternal mental health. Her master’s thesis explored parents’ question styles and their functional roles in children with and without autism, further cultivating her interest in child development, culturally responsive practice and the influence of social environments on well-being.
Through her academic experiences, including studying abroad at NYU Accra, she also developed a commitment to culturally responsive and interprofessional approaches to education, healthcare and research, contributing to a presentation at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association conference on culturally responsive practices in Ghana. As a social work researcher, Aya’s scholarship sits at the intersection of Multiracial identity development, racial socialization, colorism, classism, racialization and decolonization. Her work examines how colonial histories, racial hierarchies and contemporary social systems shape identity, belonging and psychological well-being, with a particular focus on Mixed-race populations in the Caribbean and the USA.
She is especially interested in racial belonging and in-betweenness, transnational identity, racial identity and politics, and the limitations of monoracial frameworks in psychological and social science research. Through interdisciplinary and community-engaged scholarship, she seeks to advance culturally responsive social work practice, inform policy and contribute to more nuanced understandings of race and Mixed-race experiences. Beyond her research, Aya is committed to mentorship, scholarly service and supporting emerging scholars, including through her contributions to Caribbean social work scholarship and editorial work.
Her long-term goal is to pursue a faculty career centered on research, teaching and leadership. Ultimately, her work is guided by a commitment to advancing mental health equity and advocating for marginalized populations whose experiences and needs have historically been overlooked or inadequately represented in research, policy and practice.
Areas of interest
- Identity, Race & Socialization
- Multiraciality & Identity Development
- Racial Socialization & Categorization
- Power, Inequality & Wellbeing
- Colorism, Classism & Social Stratification
- Structural Inequities & Intersectionality
- Mental Wellbeing & Psychological Thriving
- Decolonial Scholarship
- Decolonization & Postcolonial Societies
- Decolonizing Research & Social Policy
- Global Social Work
- Caribbean & International Social Work
Education and credentials
M.A, psychology, New York University
B.A., psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York
Work
Selected publications
Published manuscripts
Caballero, A., & Bastien, M. (2026). Whose knowledge, whose future? Reimagining Caribbean social work through emerging voices. Caribbean Journal of Social Work, 16, 298–299.
Williams, C. D., Atkin, A. L., Christophe, N. K., Bravo, D. Y., León-Pérez, G., Stokes, A., Green, M. N., Caballero, A., Keys, T. J., West, T., & the LOVING Study Collaborative (2026). Biracial emerging adults’ phenotype and Multiracial pride predicting academic achievement via discrimination experiences. Emerging Adulthood.
Green, M.N., Clinkscales, A., & Caballero, A. L. (2026). “I internalized a lot”: Identity-Based Correlates of Depression Among Biracial Girls and Young Women. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.
De Guzman, R. M., Jacobskind, J. S., Rosinger, Z. J., Rybka, K. A., Parra, K. E., Caballero, A. L., Sturm, K., Sharif, M., Abbas, M., Justice, N. J., & Zuloaga, D. G. (2024). Hormone regulation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 in the female mouse brain. Neuroendocrinology, 114(12), 1139–1157.
De Guzman, R. M., Jacobskind, J. S., Rosinger, Z. J., Rybka, K. A., Caballero, A., Sturm, K., Sharif, M., Abbas, M., Justice, N. J., & Zuloaga, D. G. (2023). Changes in corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 levels relative to changes in anxiety-like behaviors at different time points during the postpartum period. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 156, 106391.
Manuscripts under review
Green, M. N., Caballero, A., Burnett, M., Golden, A.R., West, T., Pham, A.,Bryant, S., & Williams, C.D. (R&R submitted July 2026). An Intersectional Examination of Racial Pride and Depression Symptoms amongst Biracial Black-White Adolescents and Emerging Adults. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology.
Kelly, Monique D. A., Philip J. Pettis, Caballero, Aya and Tyler M. Smith. (Accepted June 2026) Embodied Capital and Wealth Inequality: Race, Skin Color, and Socioeconomic Pathways in Jamaica. Social Problems.
West, T., Williams, C. D., Christophe, N. K., Atkin, A. L., Bryant, S., Green, M., Caballero, A., Lozada, F. T., & Jones, S. C. T. (R&R Submitted Sept 2026). Multiracial experiences shaping ethnic-racial identity among Biracial Black-White adolescents. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology.
Acknowledgements
De Guzman, R. M., Rosinger, Z. J., Parra, K. E., Jacobskind, J. S., Justice, N. J., & Zuloaga, D. G. (2021). Alterations in corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 in the preoptic area and hypothalamus in mice during the postpartum period. Hormones and behavior, 135, 105044.
Green, M.N. (in press). Examining Racial Identity Invalidation and Wellbeing amongst Biracial Adolescents Using the Identity Capital Model. Journal of Research on Adolescence.
Manuscripts in preparation
Brown, K., Caballero, A., Brown, W., León-Pérez, G.. “Starving for Success: Policy-Based Solutions for Food Insecurity in Higher Education” Policy Memo. Journal of Science Policy and Governance.
West, T., Williams, C., Green, M.N., Caballero, A., Roberts, R., Lozada, F.T., Jones, S. (in progress). Understanding Racial Identity Stability & Fluidity in Multiracial and Monoracial Individuals of African Descent
Caballero, A.L., Green, M.N., Morales, L. (R&R Due Dec 15). Identity in Context: Gender and Parent Identity as Moderators of the Relationship Between Biracial Pride and Well-Being. Journal of Emerging Adulthood.
Professional highlights
Invited talks and posters
Caballero, A. (2026, August) Checked One Box Too Few: The Cost of Ignoring Multiraciality in Psychological Research & Practice [Critical Conversation] Presentation at 2026 American Psychological Association Conference, Washington, DC.
Caballero & Green., (2026, April) In Between, But Not Invisible: How Biracial Pride and Parental Configurations Shape Life Satisfaction in Biracial Emerging Adults. Poster presentation at the 2026 Society for Research on Adolescence Conference, Toronto, Canada.
Brown, J., Henry, V., Segbefia, A., Santana, A., Caballero, A., Sullivan, T., & Williams, C. D. (2026, April). Black and Latine preadolescents’ well-being: Examining the effects of skin tone, skin tone attitudes, and the peer context. In T. West (Chair), Mental Health & Well-Being in the Margins: Risk and Resilience of Black, Latine, and Multiracial Youth [Symposium]. Paper submitted to be presented at the Society for Research on Adolescence Conference, Toronto, Canada.
Williams, C. D., Atkin, A. L., Christophe, K. N., Bravo, D. Y., León-Pérez, G., Stokes, A., Keys, T. J., Green, M. N., Caballero, A., West, T., & the LOVING Study Collaborative (2026, April). Biracial emerging adults’ phenotype and Multiracial pride predicting academic achievement via discrimination experiences. Poster presentation at the Society for Research on Adolescence Conference, Toronto, Canada.
Brown, J., Henry, V., Segbefia, A., Santana, A., Caballero, A., Sullivan, T., & Williams, C. D. (2026, April). Black and Latine preadolescents’ well-being: Examining the effects of skin tone, skin tone attitudes, and the peer context. In T. West (Chair), Mental Health & Well-Being in the Margins: Risk and Resilience of Black, Latine, and Multiracial Youth [Symposium]. Paper presented at the Society for Research on Adolescence Conference, Toronto, Canada.
Williams, C. D., Atkin, A. L., Christophe, K. N., Bravo, D. Y., León-Pérez, G., Stokes, A., Keys, T. J., Green, M. N., Caballero, A., West, T., & the LOVING Study Collaborative (2026, April). Biracial emerging adults’ phenotype and Multiracial pride predicting academic achievement via discrimination experiences. In C. D. Williams (Chair), Unpacking Complexity: Advancing the Understanding of Ethnic-Racial Identity Development among Multiracial Youth [Symposium]. Paper submitted to be presented at the Society for Research on Adolescence Conference, Toronto, Canada.
Florez, J., Diaz, K., Gregory-Jerome, L., Sridhar, A., Santana, A., Brown, K., Caballero, A., Williams, C. D., the Spit for Science Working Group (2026, April). The moderating roles of ethnic-racial identity components in the association between adverse childhood experiences and cannabis use: exploring ethnic-racial differences between Black, Asian, & White students.Poster presentation at the 2026 Society for Research on Adolescence Conference, Toronto, Canada.
Brown, J., Henry, V., Segbefia, A., Santana, A., Caballero, A., Sullivan, T., & Williams, C. D. (2026, April). Relations between children's skin tone and skin tone satisfaction and outcomes via children's peer victimization and competency. Poster presentation at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR), Richmond, VA
Caballero & Green., (2025) Examining satisfaction with life & depression among Biracial Black-white young adults. Poster presentation at 2025 American Psychological Association Conference, Denver, Colorado.
Caballero & Green., (2025) Examining satisfaction with life & depression among Biracial Black-white young adults. Poster presentation at 2025 VCU Graduate Research Symposium, Richmond, Virginia.
Caballero & Arunachalam. The function of parents’ question styles in children with and without Autism Poster presentation at 2023 GSAS Threesis & Master’s Research Conference at New York University, New York, NY
Green, M.N., Clinkscales, A., & Caballero, A. (2026, January). “I internalized a lot”: Identity-Based Correlates of Depression Among Biracial Girls and Young Women. Paper presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Meeting, Washington D.C.
Castle, G., Adusei, G., BensonMeyer, E., Butka, R., Caballero, A., Ennis, R., Mason, K., Parker, M., Pierre, A., Wulff A., (2023). Culturally Responsive Practices in Ghana: Interprofessional exploration of education and healthcare delivery. [Conference presentation]. Oral presentation at 2023 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Boston, Massachusetts.
Guzman, Jacobskind, Rosinger, Rybka, Caballero, Sturm, Sharif, Abbas, Justice, & Zuloaga (2019). Changes in corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 levels relative to changes in anxiety-like behaviors at different time points during the postpartum period. Ronald McNair Conference, Buffalo, New York
Guzman, Jacobskind, Rosinger, Rybka, Caballero, Sturm, Sharif, Abbas, Justice, & Zuloaga (2019) Changes in corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 levels relative to changes in anxiety-like behaviors at different time points during the postpartum period. University at Albany Summer Research Program Conference, Albany, New York
Accomplishments
- Fulbright Recipient, Spring 2026
- School of Social Work Social Justice Award, Spring 2026
- Dr. Marilyn Biggerstaff Fund Scholarship for Doctoral Student Research, Spring 2026
- Carter G. Woodson Award for Academic Excellence,Spring 2026
- Frank and Patricia Baskind Scholarship, August 2025
- Rutgers. Multidisciplinary Multiracial Small Research Grant. Empowering Minds Through Stories: Exploring the Impact of Bibliotherapy on Belonging and Self-Efficacy. 2024. PI: Aya Caballero, Supervising PI: Mckenzie Green
- Fulbright English Teaching Assistant semifinalist, 2023
- Newcombe Scholarship recipient, 2022
- Dean’s List of Distinguished Students, 2017-2020
- 175th Anniversary Award recipient (scholarship), 2019
- Spellman Award, recipient, 2018-2020
- Todd Goldman 82’ Endowed Scholarship recipient, 2018-2019
- Virginia G. Heaney Memorial Scholarship recipient, 2018
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, 2021
Affiliations and service
- Caribbean Journal of Social Work Student Editorial Committee- Fall 2025-September 2026 Member & Lead Editor
- Caribbean Journal of Social Work Student Editorial Committee- Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Member
- Caribbean Journal of Social Work: Finance and Journal Sustainability Subcommittee Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Member
- People in Harmony- United Kingdom Sept 2025-Jan 2026 Volunteer- Remote
- Virginia School of Social Work Doctoral Student Association- Richmond, Virginia May 2025-May 2026 Treasurer
- Hurricane Melissa Relief: Organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist families and schools affected by Hurricane Melissa Raised: $1000 - 2025
- Rockhouse Foundation (Jamaica): Led a back‑to‑school fundraising drive. Donated: 500 books- 2024
- New Horizon & Awaawaa2 Schools (Ghana): Initiated a philanthropic effort that secured educational materials and established scholarships for schools facing severe financial constraints. Raised: $1000 - 2023
- RAACE (Radical Alliance for Anti-Racism, Change & Equity) Fellowship Chair Summer 2025- Current. RAACE on Instagram
- RAACE (Radical Alliance for Anti-Racism, Change & Equity) Fellow- Fall 2024-Spring 2025
- Rockhouse Foundation
- Project Jamaica: Empowering Education Through Interprofessional Collaboration and Research (passion project)
Project Jamaica is an innovative initiative dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in Jamaican schools through interprofessional collaboration founded by myself. The project brings together a diverse team of professionals from various fields, including education, healthcare, social work and speech language pathology, who work in unison to provide comprehensive services and support to schools across the island.
A key objective of Project Jamaica is to secure grants and funding to conduct in-depth research aimed at understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by the Jamaican education system. This research is pivotal in developing data-driven strategies and solutions that can be implemented to improve educational outcomes and foster a brighter future for Jamaican students.
By emphasizing interprofessional practice, Project Jamaica ensures a holistic approach to education, addressing not only academic needs but also the social, emotional and physical well-being of students and staff; as well as providing professional development and other services. This collaborative effort enhances the capacity of schools to provide a well-rounded education and support system for their students.
Through its commitment to excellence, innovation and interprofessional practice, Project Jamaica is poised to make a significant and lasting impact on education in Jamaica. The project’s focus on collaborative and research-driven solutions positions it at the forefront of efforts to empower educators and inspire students across the country.
- Project Jamaica: Empowering Education Through Interprofessional Collaboration and Research (passion project)
Miscellaneous
Independent Study-Kingston, Jamaica
Summer 2025
As part of an independent study in Kingston, Jamaica, Aya Caballero conducted cross-cultural research examining multiracial identity development and colorism through archival research, qualitative interviews and critical analysis informed by the MultiCrit framework. She collaborated with faculty at the University of the West Indies and the Jamaica Association of Social Work to explore how racial identity and colorism shape social work practice and policy. This work culminated in an annotated bibliography, fieldwork report and reflective analysis that informed her ongoing dissertation research on global identity development, belonging and social justice.
Polygence-Research Mentor
May 2022-Present
As a research mentor with Polygence, Aya supports high school students in developing independent research projects in psychology. She guides students through topic development, theoretical frameworks, research design and scholarly writing while fostering critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and academic confidence. Through individualized mentorship, she develops tailored lesson plans, assignments and feedback strategies to help students produce literature reviews, research papers and presentations for academic conferences, competitions and college admissions portfolios. Her approach emphasizes inclusive mentorship, student-led inquiry and interdisciplinary connections within and beyond psychology.