Stephanie C
- Research Program Mentor
MS candidate at University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
Expertise
Psychology, Neuroscience, Public Health, Biostatistics, Epidemiology
Bio
I am a Master’s student in Epidemiology at the University of Puerto Rico with experience in clinical and public health research. My work has focused on mental health, social determinants of health, and health disparities, particularly among Hispanic populations. I have contributed to multiple research projects, data analyses, and scientific publications, and currently work as a Clinical Research Coordinator. I am passionate about mentoring students and guiding them through the process of developing and completing their own research projects. Outside of academics, I am a ballet dancer and enjoy expressing creativity through movement. I am also passionate about science communication and making complex topics accessible and engaging for broader audiences. In my free time, I enjoy writing, creating educational content, and engaging in community-based initiatives that promote equity and access in STEM.Project ideas
How Does Social Media Use Impact Teen Mental Health?
My expertise is in public health, epidemiology, and mental health, with a focus on how social and behavioral factors influence well-being. In this project, students can explore questions such as how time spent on social media, type of content consumed, or online interactions relate to stress, anxiety, or self-esteem in teenagers. Students will learn how to develop a clear research question, read and interpret scientific literature, and understand basic research methods such as surveys and observational studies. They will gather information through a literature review and may also design a simple, anonymous survey to explore patterns in social media use and mental health indicators. By the end of the project, students can produce a scientific research paper, a presentation, or a creative output such as an infographic or awareness campaign. This project helps students build skills in critical thinking, data interpretation, and science communication, while exploring a topic that is highly relevant to their daily lives.
Exploring the Association Between Sleep and Mental Health in Teenagers
This project invites students to examine how social and behavioral factors influence well-being. In this project, students can explore questions such as how time spent on social media, type of content consumed, or online interactions relate to stress, anxiety, or self-esteem in teenagers. Students will learn how to develop a clear research question, read and interpret scientific literature, and understand basic research methods such as surveys and observational studies. They will gather information through a literature review and may also design a simple, anonymous survey to explore patterns in social media use and mental health indicators. By the end of the project, students can produce a scientific research paper, a presentation, or a creative output such as an infographic or awareness campaign. This project helps students build skills in critical thinking, data interpretation, and science communication, while exploring a topic that is highly relevant to their daily lives.
How Does a Cancer Diagnosis Impact Mental Health?
This project explores the emotional and psychological impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis. Students can investigate questions such as: How does a cancer diagnosis affect anxiety, depression, or quality of life? What factors (e.g., social support, access to care) may influence mental health outcomes in patients? Students will learn how to develop a research question, read and interpret scientific literature, and understand key concepts in public health and psychology. They will gather information primarily through a literature review and may also explore publicly available datasets or case studies to better understand patient experiences. By the end of the project, students can produce a scientific research paper, a presentation, or a creative product such as an infographic or awareness campaign. This project helps students build skills in critical thinking, empathy in research, and science communication, while exploring an important topic at the intersection of mental health and chronic illness.