miembros anteriores del eQuipo
Karla Flores, B.S.
Ayudante de Investigación de Pregrado
Domenica Cartagenova, B.S. B.A.
Ayudante de Investigación
Karla Flores is a recent graduate from the University of Houston, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Health. Karla joined LABHRT because she has a strong interest in research in order to address how certain behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol and other substance related abuse, affect the many lives of Hispanic/Latinx communities in the greater Houston area. She plans to attend graduate school and obtain a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In the future, she wants to be able to provide affordable therapy to those who struggle with harmful behaviors in the Hispanic/Latinx community.
Karla loves dogs and enjoys taking walks at the park with her little chihuahua. She was born in El Salvador and loves to travel to her birth country and spend time with family.
Domenica Cartagenova se graduó de la Universidad Texas A&M con un B.S de Sociología y un B.A español. Se unió a LABHRT en el verano de 2019 como Asistente de Investigación debido a su interés en la atención médica preventiva y su experiencia previa en investigación en raza y efectos de etnia en la sociedad. Como asistente de investigación quiere poder participar en la divulgación comunitaria, y aprender más sobre los aspectos de salud mental de las disparidades de salud latinas. Domenica comenzará un post-bachillerato en Nutrición. Ella espera continuar su educación para seguir una carrera en la atención primaria y medicina preventiva. En su tiempo libre, Domenica disfruta estar al aire libre, correr y pasar tiempo con su familia.
Daniela Arenas, B.S.
Coordinadora de Investigación
Verano 2019
Crystal Hernandez
Ayudante de Investigación de Pregrado
Katherine Balderrama Najera
Estudiante de Estudio de Pregrado
Verano 2019
Daniela Arenas is an alumni from the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at the University of Houston with a B.S. in Kinesiology – health profession. She is a native Mexican, first-generation college graduate with 10 years of experience in the clinical field & health research. She joined the LABHRT in August of 2019 as a research coordinator because she cares about educating the Latinx community about mental and behavioral health issues. As a research coordinator, she wants to be able to participate in community outreach events and help in engaging Latinx adults with limited resources into effective tobacco-cessation treatments. In her spare time Daniela enjoys meditating, journaling and spending time with her family and her four dogs.
Crystal Hernandez is an undergraduate student in the College of Education at the University of Houston. She is majoring in Public Health and minoring in Biology. After graduation (expected December 2020), she wants to work a year in her field and later pursue a career as a Physician’s Assistant. Her dream is to be able to start a nonprofit organization to help underserved communities, especially Latinx children and adolescents. Crystal joined the LABHRT because of her interest in community engagement and health promotion in the Latinx community. She hopes that this position will help her be more involved in health research. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching shows, or exploring Houston.
Katherine es una estudiante en la Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas. Se especializa en Biología Matemática y se sub-especializa en Psicología. Se unió a LABHRT en el verano 2019 como parte del Programa de Experiencia Urbana “CITE Internship”. Katherine tiene como objetivo asistir a la escuela de medicina y un día abrir clínicas de bajo costo para ayudar a la comunidad latinx desatendida. Actualmente, como pasante, espera poder adquirir experiencia sobre la promoción de la salud y las iniciativas de investigación dentro de la comunidad latina. Katherine sigue explorando sus intereses de investigación. En su tiempo libre, le gusta escuchar música, resolver Sudokus, y pasar tiempo con su familia.
Morgan McNeel, B.A.
Asistente de Investigación de Posgrado
2018-2019
Morgan McNeel fue un asistente de investigación de estudiantes graduados para LABHRT. Recibió su licenciatura en Psicología de la Universidad Rice con una licenciatura en Neurociencia en mayo del 2015. Después de graduarse, trabajó como asistente de investigación y coordinadora clínica en la Clínica de Neuropsicología del Desarrollo del Centro de Ciencias de la Salud de UT, con niños con trastornos del neurodesarrollo y sus familias. Morgan continúa trabajando para su Ph.D. en psicología escolar en la Universidad de Houston. ¡En su tiempo libre, Morgan disfruta viajar, la fotografia, y explorar todo lo que Houston tiene para ofrecer!
Josée Kahambwe
Asistente de Investigación de Pregrado
2016-2019
Lena Musoka
Asistente de Investigación de Pregrado
2016-2019
Josée se unió a la LABHRT en otoño de 2016. Se está especializando en Salud y se sub-especializa en Biología. Aunque sigue explorando sus intereses de investigación, está interesada en la promoción de la salud. En particular, ella está interesada en las razones detrás de las decisiones de comportamiento de las personas y lo que se puede hacer para ayudarles a involucrarse en comportamientos que impactarán positivamente su salud. En el futuro, aspira a obtener una maestría en salud pública y estudiar medicina. Josee fue pasante para la LABHRT durante el verano de 2018. Esta experiencia le ha ayudado a entender mejor los procedimientos para implementar un estudio y fortalecer sus habilidades analíticas. A través de su experiencia como pasante, estudio la relación entre el sueño, la atención plena (mindfullness) y la tolerancia a la angustia. Presentó sus hallazgos durante el Día de Investigación de Grado en UH. Durante su tiempo libre, le gusta pasar tiempo con sus amigos, leer y escuchar música.
Lena se unió a LABHRT en otoño de 2016. Está interesada específicamente en la salud ambiental. Después de sus estudios, desea regresar a su país de origen, donde le gustaría trabajar en mejorar el entorno ambiental de las poblaciones desfavorecidas, concentrándose en los resultados sanitarios de la contaminación del aire o del agua. Como voluntaria con el equipo de investigación en salud personal y conductual, adquirió más conocimiento sobre el impacto de los hábitos insalubres como fumar y beber. Sus pasatiempos incluyen tocar instrumentos musicales, cocinar y jugar juegos de mesa
Roseann John, B.A.
Asistente de Investigación de Pregrado
2018-2019
Roseann se graduó recientemente en Salud Pública de la Facultad de Educación. Se unió al laboratorio y completó su pasantía en el otoño de 2018. A lo largo de su pasantía, aprendió mucho sobre reclutamiento, transcripción y análisis cualitativo. Esta experiencia ha aumentado su interés en intervenciones para dejar de fumar y en la salud de los latinos. En LABHRT, sus responsabilidades incluyeron seleccionar a los participantes para los diversos proyectos en curso y ayudar con la implementación del estudio cualitativo. Sus intereses de investigación incluyen estrés, dejar de fumar, ansiedad y depresión. En el futuro, planea obtener un título en Administración de salud con la esperanza de mejorar los resultados de los pacientes y hacer una diferencia positiva en el campo de la atención médica. En su tiempo libre, le gusta viajar, cocinar y pasar tiempo con familiares y amigos.
Amanda Broyles, M.Ed.
Asistente de Investigación de Posgrado
Verano 2016-2019
Amanda es una estudiante de tercer año en el programa de doctorado de Psicología de la Consejería en la Facultad de Educación. Sus intereses personales de investigación incluyen cómo el papel de género socializado afecta el comportamiento violento, particularmente la violencia de género. En LABHRT trabajó en un proyecto que examinó la relación de atención plena (mindfullness) y el efecto negativo en diversas conductas de riesgo para la salud (incluyendo el tabaco y el consumo excesivo de alcohol). También ayudó con un proyecto que implica el desarrollo de una intervención ACT culturalmente adaptada para los latinos fumadores que tienen síntomas de depresión y/o ansiedad. En su tiempo libre, disfruta practicar yoga, explorar muchos restaurantes de Houston, y relajarse en casa con su gato.
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Kimberly Smoots, B.A.
Asistente de Investigación de Posgrado
Verano 2019
Kimberly es graduada universitaria de primera generación en el programa de Psicología Escolar de Ph.D. en la Universidad de Houston. Ella está en su tercer año del programa. Sus intereses de investigación incluyen atención plena, intervenciones para trastornos/problemas emocionales, conductuales y mentales, entrenamiento de los padres y temas multiculturales en el campo de la psicología. Está interesada en trabajar con niños que tienen trastornos conductuales, emocionales y mentales y jóvenes cultural y linguísticamente diversos, especialmente jóvenes latinos. En LABHRT, ella estaba ayudando con la adaptación cultural de la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso para los latinos / fumadores que tienen síntomas de depresión y / o ansiedad. En su tiempo libre, le gusta cantar, bailar, leer, pasar tiempo con su familia y amigos y hacer ejercicio (cuando puede).
Hector Jay Perez, B.S.
Asistente de Investigación de Pregrado
2018
Hector Jay Perez is a senior at the University of Houston. He joined LABHRT in Summer 2018. He is currently majoring in Health Promotion and minoring in Psychology.
His research interests are smoking, childhood obesity, and HIV/AIDS. Hector plans to go to nursing school when he graduates in December 2018, and he wants to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice eventually.
During his free time, Hector enjoys photography, working out, and swimming.
Haidar Iman, B.S.
Asistente de Investigación de Pregrado
2017
Haidar is currently a senior at the University of Houston majoring in Public Health and minoring in Biology. In exposure to health and natural science classes, a particular spark of interest he developed was studying the role that these subjects play in the community.
Throughout community events, helping others an objective to him, but finding ways to prevent health disparities and issues is an objective as well. Making deductions about problems is his method of approach. Reasons behind answers are far more precious than answers themselves.
His hobbies include exercising, playing the guitar, and good video-gaming.
Erin Reid, B.A.
Asistente de Investigación de Posgrado
2016-2017
Erin is a third-year school psychology doctoral student in the Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences at the University of Houston. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and worked as a special education teacher with Teach for America before returning to graduate school.
With LABHRT, Erin studied behavioral health among under-served populations, with a focus on research methodology. She now applies these research experiences in her work on early intervention practices to prevent educational injustices and promote student success. When she isn't working on research projects, Erin enjoys going to the theater and practicing yoga.
Jocelyn Abrams, Ph.D.
Asistente de Investigación de Posgrado
2015-2016
Dr. Jocelyn Abrams is Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology for UH, and currently works as a psychologist at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical center. During her curriculum, she did many internships and worked as a Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Correa-Fernandez from 2015-2016.
Her research interests are in trauma and substance use disorders.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cook and listen to music.
Valentina Friedl
Undegraduate Research Assistant
Valentina is an undergraduate student at the University of Houston, majoring in Health on the Public Health track and minoring in Biology. Valentina joined LABHRT as a volunteer during Spring 2021 seeking research experience, interested in health disparities affecting local communities in Houston. Following her expected graduation in Summer 2021, Valentina plans on working in her field before pursuing a Master's. She spends her free time enjoying the outdoors and trying new foods with her sister around Houston, or traveling back to Colombia to see her family.
Anayeli Euceda
Undegraduate Research Assistant
Anayeli Euceda is an undergraduate student in the College of Education at the University of Houston. She is majoring in Health on the Public Health track and minoring in Biology. Anayeli recently joined LABHRT in Fall 2021 seeking experience, and to be able to understand firsthand how research is utilized to target challenging health disparities among her Latino community. Following her graduation, Anayeli plans to work in the health care field before pursuing her Master’s. During her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing music, and exploring new places around Houston with her friends and family.
Cielo Torres
Undegraduate Research Assistant
Cielo Torres is an undergraduate student at the College of Education at the University of Houston. She is majoring in Health on the Public Health track with a minor in Chemistry. She joined LABHRT in Fall 2021 seeking experience in research and health behavior theory. After graduation, she plans to work in Health Promotion before pursuing her Master's. In her free time, Cielo likes to listen to music, take pictures and visit different coffee shops.
Marialuisa Aldama
Undegraduate Research Assistant
Marialuisa is an undergraduate student at the University of Houston, she is pursuing a dual degree in Health on the Public Health track and in Psychology. Additionally, she is minoring in Sociology concentration in Health and Medicine as well as Human Development and Family Studies. Marialuisa joined LABHRT as an Intern during Spring 2022 seeking new research experience and opportunities. She is interested in the psychological disparities affecting the health of the Latinx community. Following her expected graduation in May 2022, Marialuisa plans on working in her field before pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She spends her free time playing with her dog Bo and Bella, watching true crime, and reading a good book when possible.
Ingrid Yrra, B.S.
Undergraduate Intern
Spring 2019
Ingrid joined LABHRT in Fall 2018. She received a degree in Health and a minor in Nutrition. She was an intern at LABHRT and assisted in the Spanish translation of projects. Ingrid continues to explore her research interests. She aspires to help the Latinxs community and continue her education. In her spare time, she spends time with family and friends and walks her dogs.
Melanie Gallego, B.S.
Undergraduate Intern
2018
Melanie studied Public health in the College of Education with a minor in Biology. Throughout her studies, she has also discovered an interest in smoking cessation, leading her to work with the Latino and Behavioral Health Research team. By incorporating the reasons for behavioral choices and also acquiring knowledge for smoking cessation, she plans to integrate this into her future work with patients.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing instruments, exercising, and watching documentaries.
Andrés Muñoz
High school Student Intern
Summer 2018
During the time of his internship, Andres Munoz was a senior at Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions. In his pursuit of a career in medicine, he hopes the research team will serve as a place to learn more about the realm of the health sciences through the eyes of psychology and tobacco research.
Although he was a short-term addition to the team, Andres was able to expand his knowledge and develop meaningful relationships that will aid him in his academic path.
His hobbies include baseball, playing piano going to the movie, and hiking, and camping.
Bryn Seerker, B.A.
Independent Study
Summer 2017
Bryn is a recent graduate of the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in public health. She majored in Health with a minor in Family Studies. She took the independent studies class with Dr. Correa-Fernandez not knowing what to expect. She studied on infectious disease providers knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Argentina, and presented her findings at UH Undergraduate Research Day. She currently works at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as a clinical study coordinator on a circulating tumor study. She loves her job and plans to continue her education to get a Ph.D. in Epidemiology after taking a year to focus on her current position. Some of her hobbies include playing board games, engaging in her community to promote local election voting as well as advocating for at-risk minority groups. She also volunteers with Houston Pets Alive and enjoys camping and hiking with her dog, Kira.
Augusta Ezem, B.A.
Undergraduate Independent Study
Student
Fall 2016 - Spring 2017
Augusta is UH graduate with a major in public health and double minors in sociology and biology. During her undergraduate, she took an independent study session with Dr. Correa Fernandez. She had always been interested in research, but she did not know how to gain the right foundation. Her Independent study session gave her more than a foundation. It opened her mind to different facets of advanced critical thinking. Apart from critical thinking, she was privileged to attend many career-building training sessions like IRB training and systemic review training.
Her research topic was titled Epigenetics and the effects of maternal smoking on offspring. It was challenging but, in the end, she was so inspired and grateful. She often refers to this experience as her most valuable college experience. She is currently en route to medical school in hopes of acquiring an MD/MPH degree soon where she hopes to continue her pursuit and appreciation for research