Barrera, Iran, Ph.D., LCSW
Dr. Barrera is interested in researching health disparities in mental health care, with a focus on the Hispanic Community. With support from the research fellowship, Dr. Barrera plans to refine his skills in order to further develop his research questions and hypothesis.
Projects:
“Examining the relationship between mental health literacy and the underutilization of mental health care amongst Mexican-Americans in the RGV (Rio Grande Valley).”
Crutchfield, Ruth, SLP.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Ruth Crutchfield in interested in contributing to the field of speech-language pathology by engaging in research that helps answer existing questions, specifically for the Spanish dominant population. With support from the research fellowship program, she plans build a foundation in proposal writing while exploring avenues for learning development.
Projects:
"An Exploratory Study: Factors Relevant to Obesity Among Adolescents with Disabilities"
"Stereotypes of Stutterers and Non-stutterers in the Rio Grande Valley."
"The Effectiveness of Melodic Intonation Therapy on English Speaking Adults with Expressive Aphasia"
"A Comparison of Two Approaches for Phonological Process Remediation"
"A Exploratory Study on the Correlation Between Personal Listening Device Usage and the Impact on Hearing Health."
Faver, Catherine A., Ph.D., LMSW
Dr. Faver plans to conduct community-based research focusing on the development, implementation, and evaluation of culturally sensitive plant-based nutrition program within the Rio Grande Valley. By participating in the research fellowship program, she aims to help prevent and stop the progression of obesity and obesity-related diseases, especially among young people.
Projects:
"Increasing Latino Students' Dietary Consumption of Whole Plant Foods"
Description: This study will examine the effects of a health literacy program comprised of nutrition information and social support on Latino students' dietary consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. The study will also document the factors that facilitate or impede the students' ability to increase the proportion of whole plant foods in their diets.
Garza, Juliann, MS, PA-C
Ms. Garza in is pursing to bridge the gap between Rehabilitative Counseling and rehabilitation Physician Assistant disciplines, for which she holds degrees. She is currently undertaking her doctoral studies in Rehabilitation Counseling in order to learn how conduct effective research. By participating in the research fellowship program, she plans to expand her understanding of research proposals, grant writing, and identifying external funding.
Projects:
“Interdisciplinary Professional Symposium Series: Fulfilling our Nation’s Gap in Healthcare”
Gonzalez, Rene, Ph.D., CRC
Dr. Gonzalez is interested in investigating the factors that correlate with successful outcomes for students or young adults with various disabling conditions.
Projects:
“Well-being and resilience associated with obesity: A study among Latino students in South Texas”
“Promoting Healthy Eating Habits and Physical Activity among Middle School Students in a Rural Setting”
Acknowledgement: UTPA is a member of the National Minority Male Health Project (NMMHP) headquartered at Morehouse College. These studies are funded through a subcontract award from Morehouse College from a grant from the Office of Minority Health.
