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.
Rick A. Cruz, Ph.D.
LAb Director
Culture, family, & child development
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Clinical research and practice with diverse youth & families
Molly Mechammil, M.S.
Graduate Student
Understanding contextual influences on minority youth outcomes
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Intervention & prevention for diverse families
Cynthia Navarro, M.A.
Graduate STUDENT
Risk and resilience for
 minority and foster youth
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Tailored intervention and prevention programs
Jazmin Lara, B.A.
GRADUATE STUDENT
Culturally sensitive, evidence-based interventions
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Latino child & adolescent mental health
Kenia Carrera, B.S.
Graduate Student
Intervention and prevention programs for underserved populations
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Internalizing disorders
Byron Garcia, B.A.
Graduate Student
Etiology of child and adolescent externalizing/internalizing behaviors  
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Developmental social ecological models