As a clinically trained psychologist and prevention scientist, I am interested in collaborative research approaches that seek to reduce health disparities among Latino populations through both etiological and applied intervention work. Through an integration of clinical and prevention science perspectives, I have developed and maintained a strong community-centered research program that examines the sociocultural determinants of mental and behavioral health among vulnerable Latino populations. Thus, my research program centers on identifying culture-specific, health-risk and protective factors across multiple levels (i.e., individual, family, and community) and using that information to inform the development of culturally sensitive intervention programs for Latinos. I am also interested in identifying sources of resilience among Latino populations that can be harnessed as levers for intervention. Moreover, I have a strong interest in dissemination and implementation science with an emphasis on harnessing digital mental health technologies to scale evidence-based interventions for underserved Latino populations who need intervention but who experience myriad barriers that impede their access. Having grown up and worked with Latino communities, I have witnessed the many stressors this population faces including discrimination, language barriers, acculturative stress, and restricted access to critical social resources, to name a few. Such stressors pose significant risks to Latino mental and behavioral health and often result in disparate health outcomes among Latinos.
Along with research, I have a strong interest in mentoring students. As a product of quality mentorship myself, I believe that it is important for students to become involved in research and gain hands-on experience with the research process. I know firsthand the benefits of conducting research under the direction of good mentors and the vital role that mentorship can play in one’s personal and professional development. I have and continue to mentor students from diverse backgrounds at both the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels in areas including publication writing, data analysis, career development, and professional networking. Mentoring students is a personally-fulfilling and professionally-rewarding experience, and I strive to establish and maintain a culture of strong mentorship among students with whom I work. I also believe that mentorship is a lifelong process in which learning never ends.
