Jeniska Rivera Galarza

Major Professor: Nicole Weiss, PhD
Lab: STRESS Lab

Biography

Jeniska Rivera Galarza, M.A., is an aspiring clinical psychologist and psychology researcher whose work focuses on trauma and mental health disparities among marginalized and underserved communities. Jeniska’s work has been published in journals such as the Journal of Interpersonal Violence and Psychological Trauma and presented at national conferences, including the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). Her work has been recognized with numerous honors and awards, including the Ralph Bunche Distinguished Graduate Award, the Graduate Student Leadership Award, and the SPARK! Poster Award. Through her research, teaching, and clinical experience, Jeniska is committed to advancing evidence-based mental health care and improving outcomes for marginalized and underserved communities.

Research

 Research interest include the relationship between traumatic experiences within the life span (e.g., ACEs & IPV) and mental health problems/substance abuse among marginalized or underserved communities (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities & unhoused adults).