ABOUT US
Our Story
ARISE, formerly known as “The Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Research Lab,” started in 2015 and grew out of discussions with Judge Pratt. We sought to understand some of the needs for youth impacted by CSE and the lack of data infrastructure to track outcomes and track success. Since that time, the lab has grown in terms of funding received and projects that focus on the perspectives of youth, lived experience experts and providers in the field to increase engagement and participation in care and increase health equity. Our lab is founded on these principles:
- Data Driven
- Strength Based
- Community Engaged Research
- Solution Focused
Research Staff
Dr. Eraka Bath, MD
Principal Investigator
Dr. Bath is the Director of Child Forensic Services, Associate Professor in Department of Psychiatry, and an Associate Chair for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. She is board certified in child and adolescent, adult and forensic psychiatry. Dr. Bath has a long-standing interest in health care disparities, minority and community mental health, with particular interest in addiction and trauma within the special populations of juvenile justice and foster care youth. Dr. Bath has dedicated her time to working with vulnerable populations and their families and consults regularly with the court system. Her portfolio of research includes funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Drug Abuse, PCORI, and Los Angeles County Department of Probation, which includes researching the efficacy of short-term, family based interventions for youth involved in the delinquency system as well as the trajectories of commercially sexually exploited girls.
Dr. Bath obtained her undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley, her medical degree at Howard University College of Medicine, and completed her child psychiatry and forensic training at NYU School of Medicine where she was on faculty prior to joining UCLA.
Carina F. Rodrigues
Program Manager
Carina F. Rodrigues is a Program Manager with ARISE and UCLA Psychiatry’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) department. She holds an M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from San Diego State University and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. While in graduate school, she examined parole and probation reform, as well as the impact of non-profit organizations on the reentry and reintegration of system-involved individuals. Inspired by her time as an intern with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California (ACLU SoCal) Jails and Police Practices Projects, Carina is committed to using her research and advocacy skills to promote social justice and improve the lives of vulnerable communities.
Jacky Duong
Administrative Assistant
Jacky Duong holds a B.A. in Psychology, which she earned from UC Berkeley. Jacky serves as a Part-time Administrative Assistant at Dr. Eraka Bath’s lab at UCLA, where she is actively involved in projects related to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion). She volunteers as a UX Designer through the Develop for Good program and have worked with clients like Joy Education Foundation, a dedicated non-profit organization that helps students, especially those with language-based disabilities, become confident readers through their virtual reading clinic. Outside of her professional pursuits, Jacky enjoys running, going to concerts, hiking, and hosting events for her friends and family. Her roots trace back to the San Fernando Valley.
Undergraduate Interns
Annabelle Karpman
Intern, 4th year Public Affairs Major; Film, Television, & Digital Media Minor
Annabelle Karpman is a Public Affairs major and a Film, Television & Digital Media Minor graduating in 2025. She is originally from Fort Worth, Texas, and is involved in several UCLA organizations, including IGNITE, One Love, and the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee for Greek Life. Annabelle is deeply committed to women’s youth advocacy, focusing on education around domestic violence and reproductive justice. She is dedicated to advocating for change and resources to combat gender-related violence and protect the well-being of the Los Angeles community. Beyond her on-campus participation, Annabelle works as an Account Executive at UCLA Student Media’s Bruin Media Group.
Fun Fact: Annabelle loves live music and going to concerts!
Kiley Larkin
Intern, 4th year Public Affairs Major; Environmental Systems and Society Minor
Kiley Larkin is a Public Affairs major and a Environmental Systems and Society minor graduating in 2025. Kiley is from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. She serves as one of the Civic Engagement directors within USAC’s Office of the External Vice President, and is involved with Synthesis Dance and UCLA’s Farmers Market. Inspired by her mother’s work as a women’s health specialist and physician, Kiley is an advocate for equity and accessibility with regards to reproductive health resources and education. She also hopes to promote awareness surrounding sexual violence and center the needs and experiences of affected communities.
Fun fact: Kiley’s hometown is the Mushroom Capital of the World!
Heidi Salguero
Intern, 4th year Public Affairs Major
Heidi Salguero is a Public Affairs major graduating in 2025. Heidi is born and raised within the city of Los Angeles. She has her certificate in paralegal studies and has aided law firms with legal research for different areas of practice. Heidi grew up in the inner city and has had first hand experience with CPS. She hopes to advocate for better aid and resources for children to have the ability to access reproductive care and other mental health resources especially in the foster care units. Heidi hopes to have the ability to not only aid but also amplify voices of victims and survivors.
Fun fact: Heidi’s favorite sanrio character is Pochacco and knows his lore.