M. Nina Hernandez De La Cerda Clinton

Doctoral Intern – Oklahoma State University Behavioral Medicine | Doctoral Candidate – Texas Tech University | Crossing Latinidades Mellon Fellow

Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States

About

I am dedicated to advancing equitable mental health services for Latine populations through clinical practice, research, and community engagement. My experiences in clinical training, community-based research, nonprofit work, volunteering, and youth mentorship have fueled my commitment to culturally responsive care. Currently, I am completing my Doctoral Internship in Oklahoma State University Behavioral Medicine Clinic. I am also a Doctoral Candidate in the Counseling Psychology program at Texas Tech University, where I am mentored by Dr. Piña-Watson. My long-term goal is to serve as a bilingual pediatric counseling psychologist, bridging gaps in mental health access for underserved communities. I hold a Master’s in Educational Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin, along with a Graduate Portfolio in Integrated Behavioral Health from Dell Medical School. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked as a Bilingual Clinical & Behavioral Research Associate at the Health Innovation Lab at Dell Medical School and served as IRB liaison for the Migrant Clinician Network. My research has centered on the mental health of Latine youth, including substance use and abuse, cultural identity, and family processes. As a Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative Fellow, I have contributed to interdisciplinary scholarship advancing Latine studies and fostering national collaborations across universities. This work reflects my passion for equity, representation, and culturally informed approaches to mental health. I bring a unique blend of research expertise, clinical training, and community-focused advocacy, with a steadfast commitment to improving mental health outcomes for Latine youth and families.

Experience

  • Doctoral Intern at Oklahoma State University
    Jul 2025 - Present · 10 mos

    Conduct initial clinical interviews for pediatric assessments. Develop case conceptualizations to guide assessment planning. Perform comprehensive, individualized pediatric assessments. Create treatment recommendations based on assessment results.

  • Texas Tech University (Part-time · 3 yrs 11 mos)
    • Graduate Research Assistant
      Jan 2023 - Jun 2025 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    • Graduate Assistant
      Jan 2024 - Dec 2024 · 1 yr

    • Graduate Teaching Assistant
      Aug 2021 - Dec 2022 · 1 yr 5 mos

  • Crossing Latinidades Mellon Fellow at University of Illinois Chicago
    Aug 2024 - May 2025 · 10 mos

    As a fellow for Crossing Latinidades: Humanities Research Initiative, I contribute to advancing scholarship and collaboration within Latinx studies across national university networks. My work involves interdisciplinary research, project development, and fostering connections that highlight the cultural, historical, and societal contributions of Latinx communities. Through this initiative, I engage in academic discussions, participate in knowledge-sharing platforms, and assist in promoting innovative, equity-focused research that bridges diverse perspectives in the humanities.

  • Bilingual Behavioral Research Associate at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin
    Sep 2020 - Aug 2021 · 1 yr

    • Working under Dr. Kasey Claborn in the Health Innovation Lab •Assisting to develop and evaluate an opioid overdose tracking and intervention digital platform • Aiding with daily management of project tasks including recruitment, scheduling, and data collection across all study sites located in Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, and Williamson County • Engaging in data analysis and manuscript preparation • Submitting IRB materials

  • IRB Liaison at Migrant Clinicians Network
    Aug 2020 - Aug 2021 · 1 yr 1 mo