Cierra is a McNair Scholar investigating cortisol functioning and psychological well-being among refugees.

Additionally, she is working with Shukuru Kamulete on understanding the educational barriers and supports of refugee-background students in higher education.​​

Highlighted Works at the HDE Lab:

• Abellera, C., & Masarik, A. S. (April 14, 2018). Cortisol variations and the mental health consequences of war-related trauma: An illustrative review. Oral presentation at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Conference in Denver, CO.

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• Masarik A. S., Abellera, C., Holdiman, A., Knudson, A., & Mack, A. (November 18, 2017). Refugee stress and resilience: Application of the Family Stress Model. Poster presentation at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference in Orlando, FL.

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• Abellera, C., & Masarik, A. S. (April 17, 2017). Neuroendocrinology and the mental health consequences of war-related trauma: An illustrative review. Poster presentation at the Boise State Undergraduate Research Conference in Boise, ID. https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1003&context=as_17