South San Francisco, California, United States
Hi everyone! My name is Yuliana Caravantes Molina. I am a first generation Latina fourth year at San Francisco State University with a strong interest in the field of pediatric medicine. I am passionate about increasing access to resources for first generation students and promoting health equity. I have developed leadership and community engagement skills through my roles as an elementary school recreation leader and student leader for the Metro College and Success Program, where I support first generation freshman and sophomore college students. Additionally, I have expanded my research and lab skills through my participation in a summer directed research program and in my current position as a student researcher for the Health and Equity Research Lab. I would love to connect with individuals who share similar interests.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Cathy Samayoa Project Title: Measuring Chronic Stress Through Hair Cortisol in a Latinx Community: A Collaborative Study by The Latina Center and Health Equity Research Lab Latinxs are underrepresented in biomedical research studies, yet disproportionately suffer from chronic health conditions and harmful environmental exposures. Our study utilized community-engaged research approaches for biospecimen collection and measured hair cortisol concentrations among Latinxs. A total of 69 hair samples were collected. These samples were processed through several methods including hair washes, pulverization, methanol extraction, buffer resuspension, and an ELISA assay. This project will help us better understand the role of stress in addressing health inequities among the Latinx community.
I contact first generation freshman students for check-ins via email and phone. I also collaborate with coordinators to create engaging newsletters featuring upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, and professional development workshops.
As a recreation leader, I have worked at various elementary school after-care programs within the district. I fostered a safe, respectful, and high quality environment for children in grades K-5. My responsibilities include supervising children, assisting with homework, and leading recreational activities and games.
As event coordinator, I planned and organized club events including professional development workshops and community building activities that brought together Latinas in STEM. I also managed event logistics such as reserving rooms, obtaining supplies, and overseeing events.