Understanding Development and Context to Inform Prevention

Our group utilizes community- and clinic-based research to understand positive and problematic youth development

We focus on understanding diverse youth development within multiple levels of context, ranging from individual factors, family factors, to broader socioecological factors such as culture and socioeconomic status.
Our work is designed to inform prevention and intervention efforts for diverse youth and families
We are also engaged in traditional clinical research focused on assessment, prevention and treatment with diverse youth and families.
Molly Mechammil, M.S.
Graduate Student
Interested in improving & understanding contextual influences on minority youth outcomes
Kenia Carrera, B.S.
Graduate Student
Short bio
Rick A. Cruz, Ph.D.
LAb Director
Culture, family, & child development
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Clinical research and practice with diverse youth & families
Cynthia Navarro, M.A.
Graduate StUDENT
Understanding factors that are associated with psychopathology and resilience for at risk youth (e.g., ethnic minorities)
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Culturally sensitive & evidence-based practice
Jazmin Lara, B.A.
Graduate STudent
Culturally sensitive, evidence-based interventions
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Latino child & adolescent mental health