2026-27 President's Scholars

Daniel Leon

Lowell Overton President’s Scholar 2026-27

Major: Psychology/Criminology

College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences

Activities: Research Assistant, Prosociality and Well-Being Lab; Research Assistant, Sports and Personality Lab; Lead Student Assistant, Centerpointe Front-of-House; Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer; Hospital Registration Representative; Psi Chi; Teaching Assistant; Basketball; Fishing

Daniel Leon’s interest in psychology stems from his desire to help others and make people feel valued. As a first-generation student raised by a Vietnamese immigrant mother and a Mexican father, he witnessed barriers that limit access to mental health care and education. Those experiences motivated him to pursue work that expands resources for underrepresented communities. He serves as a research assistant in both the Prosociality and Well-Being and the Sports and Personality labs, and he has presented research at student conferences on and off campus. He also works as a lead student assistant at Centerpointe, volunteers in hospital settings, is involved with Psi Chi and serves as a teaching assistant. Daniel’s parents taught him that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. He is also grateful to professors Rachel Baumsteiger and Travis Miller, whose mentorship inspired his passion for research. He hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and conduct research on early intervention, stigma reduction and mental health care for underserved youth and communities.