In December 2018, I graduated from the University of Florida (UF) with a dual degree in Psychology and Anthropology. I went on to complete my Master’s in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences at UF in May 2021. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jennifer Doty, whoc is now at the University of Oregon, I contributed to research in the Parent-Based Prevention of Bullying (PB2) Lab, where we examined parenting strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of bullying and cyberbullying on adolescents. My master’s thesis specifically explored how future orientation and self-mastery serve as mediating and moderating factors in the relationship between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms (read here).

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     Following the completion of my graduate studies, I joined UF’s Precision Medicine Program as a Clinical Research Coordinator. In this role, I had the opportunity to work on several NIH-funded clinical trials focused on pharmacogenomic-guided therapies for individuals experiencing post-surgical and chronic pain, as well as depression. These projects deepened my understanding of the intersection between personalized medicine and mental health care.

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     Currently, I am entering the third year of my PhD in Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University, where I work under the guidance of Dr. Frank Dillon in the Health Equity Advancing Research Team (HEART Lab). I am committed to serving Spanish-speaking populations,particularly immigrants and members of the Latinx community, through the integration of decolonizing and liberation-based frameworks in therapeutic practice. On the research front, my interests include how clinicians navigate the somatic expressions of distress among Latinx clients, as well as examining the diverse and nuanced mental health needs of individuals from Central American backgrounds.

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     I have always aspired to pursue a career that allows me to work directly with people to enhance their well-being, and I believe I am firmly on that path. At the same time, my academic curiosity remains broad as I continue to be intellectually engaged with topics spanning public health, forensic anthropology, and neuroscience, inspired by my interdisciplinary undergraduate training.

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     Outside of academia, I find joy and balance through creative pursuits such as cooking, dancing, and painting. I also maintain a bullet journal, which serves as both a creative outlet and a grounding daily ritual. Traveling with loved ones is a constant in my life, which is something I prioritize and hope to continue for years to come. When I am not immersed in research or clinical work, you’ll likely find me out in the world, discovering new places and perspectives.

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Last updated: August 13, 2025