Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland, College Park

Advisor: Dr. Eden King

Program: Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Bio:

I am a second-year Ph.D. student in the psychological sciences department. Specifically, I am studying industrial/organizational psychology and my major areas of research interest are the intersectionality of identities, identity management in the workplace, and pay equity and compensation. I am a first-generation college student from a family of Salvadoran immigrants which makes me proud to be able to further my education at Rice. I chose to study industrial/organizational psychology after learning that we spend most of our adult life working and how much of an effect the workplace can have on our mental and socio-emotional health as well as relationships inside and outside of the workplace. With this, I am also able to study how the intersectionality of a person's race/ethnicity, gender, and other identities can affect how they experience the workplace. Being a part of the GPS Pathways program is an experience I am thoroughly looking forward to because the representation of people from underrepresented groups in higher education matters. In addition, through the mentor component of this program, we are able to support other students from underrepresented groups to rise to their highest potential.

Affinity and student group affiliations: LatinGrads@Rice, and Rice Industrial/Organizational Psychology Association (RIOPA), Co-President

Fun fact:

I have eaten at the world's oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín in Madrid!

Favorite thing about Rice:

My favorite thing about Rice is its strong commitment to supporting graduate students.

Favorite thing about Houston:

My favorite thing about Houston is the variety of cuisine found here.

Why did you decide to go to grad school?

I decided to attend grad school because it was the only way I could become an expert in my field and earn the title of a psychologist. I found my passion for psychology early in my undergraduate studies and I chose to concentrate in industrial/organizational psychology as a way to support people in and outside of the workplace. Now that I am in grad school, I am able to study this topic on a deeper level and generate new knowledge for the field.