Catarina C
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at Duke University
Expertise
Clinical (i.e., abnormal) psychology, developmental psychopathology, cognitive development, research methods, basic statistics (e.g., ANOVA, regression), mental health and the media, mental health and social media, treatment of mental health
Bio
Catarina is currently a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. candidate at Duke University. Her main research interests are in exploring novel predictors of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in order to better improve our assessment of suicide and prediction models used in treatment. Catarina is also a clinician-in-training, and works with adults with various psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder. Outside of academics, she enjoys binging the latest, greatest tv series, catching a movie at the local AMC, or trying the newest restaurant in town.Project ideas
Literature Review: How does social media increase risk for eating disorders?
This literature review examines the mechanisms through which social media use may contribute to increased risk for eating disorders. Drawing on empirical research, the review explores factors such as exposure to idealized body images, appearance-based comparisons, algorithm-driven content, and engagement in disordered eating communities. The goal is to synthesize current findings to better understand how digital environments shape body image concerns and disordered eating behaviors, and to identify gaps in the literature that can inform future prevention and intervention efforts. This is just one example of a research question for a literature review. You can conduct a literature review on any topic you would like. We will work together to craft an idea. You can submit your final product to a preprint server and become a published author!
Literature Review: How can art therapy or music therapy be used to overcome and treat trauma?
This literature review explores the use of art therapy and music therapy as complementary approaches to treating trauma. It synthesizes current empirical and theoretical research on how creative modalities facilitate emotional expression, trauma processing, and psychological healing. The review highlights mechanisms of change such as nonverbal communication, emotional regulation, and the restoration of agency, while also examining clinical outcomes across diverse populations. The aim is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of these interventions and identify areas for future research and clinical application. This is just one example of a research question for a literature review. You can conduct a literature review on any topic you would like. We will work together to craft an idea. You can submit your final product to a preprint server and become a published author!
Get Ready to Pitch Your Big Idea: Writing a Research Grant Proposal
In this project, you’ll take on the role of a researcher competing for funding to bring your idea to life. You’ll write a research grant proposal that shows your project is exciting, important, and doable. You’ll learn how to: 1. Set clear goals 2. Explain why your research matters 3. Choose smart, realistic methods 4. Create a solid plan to get it all done on time It’s your chance to think big, solve real problems, and practice the kind of persuasive writing that makes things happen.
Turn Science Into a Story: Learning to Communicate Science Effectively
In this project, you’ll become a science communicator! You’ll pick a real research paper and translate its findings into something anyone can understand. You’ll get to: 1. Write a news-style article that breaks down the results in plain language OR 2. Create a cool visual (a graphical abstract) to show the key ideas OR 3. Make a short, attention-grabbing video that highlights the main takeaways It’s your chance to turn complex science into something clear, creative, and even fun!