My academic and professional path has been guided by a deep curiosity about how human relationships shape development, well-being, and resilience. With a background in psychology and gender studies, my research bridges individual, family, and community systems, with an emphasis on real-world impact.

At the center of my work is a focus on how relational contexts, especially within families, contribute to emotional development and long-term outcomes. My research has examined topics such as the effects of parental criticism and warmth on youth distress, as well as the sociocultural influences on substance use among Hispanic adults. I’ve contributed to statewide houseless/homelessness prevention initiatives, NIH-funded projects, served as a Graduate Fellow in the All of Us Research Program, and co-authored manuscripts addressing behavioral health disparities, housing instability, and trauma.

While much of my work involves quantitative modeling, I also engage in qualitative and mixed-methods research to better understand developmental processes across both individual and structural contexts. I’m particularly drawn to projects that inform practice, whether by improving family communication, shaping intervention strategies, or supporting more responsive systems of care.

At the core of my research is a commitment to bridging policy and practice. I believe in producing work that not only advances theory but also meaningfully impacts people’s lives, helping guide programs, support families, and strengthen communities through evidence-based insight.