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Meet the Team
Since starting in 2014 we have had 100+ students join us in helping to achieve our mission of addressing the health and social needs of the marginalized communities.
Dr Luz Garcini
Dr. Garcini’s research, community, advocacy and policy work focuses on identifying, understanding, and addressing the health needs of historically marginalized communities from a biobehavioral and sociocultural perspective. Using a socioecological approach and a social determinants of health lens, Dr. Garcini’s interdisciplinary research is aimed at informing population health by identifying mechanisms of risk and resilience in the face of social disadvantage and life adversity. In using community-engaged science, biomarkers in the field, and a wide range of epidemiological and mixed-methodologies to the study of historically marginalized populations, Dr. Garcini’s goal is to contribute to health equity by increasing inclusivity and diversity in science.
Dr. Garcini’s contributions to equity...Read more
Ling DeBellis
Ling DeBellis is a PhD student in Health Psychology at Rice University, studying grief & bereavement in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and how using art as medicine can better people's minds, health, and lives. Ling has expertise in complex biological & environmental modeling and applying multimedia techniques from the creative arts to expand “bio-sciences” and “psych-sciences” innovation.
Ling earned a B.S. in evolutionary biology and B.A. in visual arts from Rice University in 2023. Her passion is bringing art and science together in meaningful ways. Primarily using experimental filmmaking and abstract collage, Ling is fond of exploratory, beautifully provocative, and self-reflective ideas, especially those pushing social boundaries and playing with...Read more
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Sabrina Cuauro Cuauro
Sabrina Cuauro Cuauro is a graduate student in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Rice University studying Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine. In 2023, she graduated from Trinity University with a B.A. in Psychology, Spanish, and Global Latinx Studies. Originally from Venezuela, her research interests focus on immigrant health and empowering immigrant communities through research and policy.
She aims to use community-engaged science and mixed methodology to address health disparities and inequities in marginalized communities. Outside of Rice, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, and reading.
Kathryn Gonzalez
Kathryn Gonzalez graduated from Rice University in 2023 with a B.A. in Cognitive Sciences and Psychology. Kathryn currently serves as the project manager for Paths [Senderos]: Building Strength in the Face of Loss for Families with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Her research focuses on the intersection of mental health support and community engagement for historically marginalized communities.
Kathryn is particularly interested in exploring how cognitive processes intersect with social and cultural factors to influence mental health outcomes, and using this approach to enhance the efficacy of mental health interventions and promote holistic wellbeing.
Kathryn is dedicated to bridging the gap...Read more
Annelie Han
Annelie is a junior (c/o 2026) at Rice University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She joined the VOCES lab in the Spring of 2023 as a research assistant for BRIDGE and ECHAR. Starting Fall 2024, she will also be serving as lab manager along with Joanna Quan.
Her research interests include mental health among minority populations with a special interest in cultural competency. She is also interested in exploring the intersection of faith and religion with mental health. She plans to pursue graduate studies and a career in the mental health field as a counselor or therapist.
Outside of the lab, Annelie enjoys yoga, listening to music, and trying new foods around Houston.
Joanna Quan
Joanna is a Rice University alumni who double majored in Psychology and English. She joined the lab in the fall of 2023 as a research assistant for Project BRIDGE and later on, Project ECHAR. She is currently serving as co-lab manager for the VOCES lab.
Joanna is interested in how cultural identity and immigration status impact mental health and wants to better lives by assisting in psychology research. She eventually plans to pursue a Master’s in Counseling and work as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
When off the clock, Joanna enjoys weightlifting, collecting Squishmallows, and spending time with her two cats.
Want to join the team?
For more information on how to join the VOCES research team, get in touch with us.
Click the button below to get started.
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