Biography

Paula is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Medical Sociology and completed a Spanish for Healthcare Professionals Certificate. She currently serves as a post-baccalaureate research assistant in the STRIVE Lab and the Violence Against Women Cluster (VAWC).

Paula aspires to attend medical school and is passionate about studying trauma and helping individuals overcome such experiences. Her research interests include trauma response, cultural influences, intimate partner violence, patterns of violence and aggression, mental health, and the effects of COVID-19.

In recent years, she has been an advocate for ending disparities faced by Hispanic/Latina women and expanding their access to education and opportunities. Her goal is to represent Latina women in the U.S. as a future physician and to serve as a role model of resilience, perseverance, and hard work for future generations of Hispanic/Latina women.

With her strong background in biology, sociology, and public health, combined with her passion for serving others, Paula is a dedicated researcher poised to make significant contributions to her field.