Despite being new to the Parent-Child Dynamics Lab, Warren said she is very excited to learn more about research, add to her skills and continue working with children.
In the DREAM Lab, Warren has gained a community within the Department of Psychology.
“The graduate students, lab coordinator Blanca García Rodríguez and principal investigator Dr. Chardée Galán have cultivated such a supportive community, professionally and personally,” Warren said. “My favorite part of working here has been meeting with adolescents, as well as the relationships I have made with the research team.”
By working on a project examining how discrimination and other cultural stressors impact the mental health of Black and Hispanic youth, Warren gained hands-on experience and valuable skills that have strengthened her passion for pursuing research roles.
Warren said she is most excited about the research projects that will help historically underrepresented populations, as well as those that benefit people from all backgrounds. These experiences have reinforced her desire to work with underserved populations, children, youth and families.
Outside of the lab, Warren channels her passion for helping others into leadership and mentorship roles across campus, serving as both a Liberal Arts Ambassador and vice president of the Multicultural Women’s Forum.
As a Liberal Arts Ambassador, Warren said she sees herself as a representative for the College of the Liberal Arts and is committed to helping prospective, admitted and current students by sharing her experiences to allow them to better understand what the college offers. Among other duties, she participates in recruitment events, speaks to students at all levels and attends professional workshops.
With the Multicultural Women’s Forum, Warren strives to foster a better sense of belonging among women students from diverse backgrounds. As vice president, she works closely with the president to ensure the executive board feels supported and comfortable in their roles so that the forum runs efficiently.
“During my first year, the Multicultural Women’s Forum was a club that made me feel comfortable and helped me to find my own community on campus,” Warren said. “A personal goal of mine is to help new students feel the same thing that I felt during my first year.”
By providing opportunities for women to develop professionally and personally, the forum creates a safe space for women of all backgrounds to come together and find community. Its main goal is to ensure people feel comfortable and empowered during their college experience and to help them find their space on campus.
Although her most meaningful experiences have come from her extracurriculars, Warren said it’s crucial to find balance between those and her academics. Self-care helps her maintain that balance, she said.
“Outside of school, I try to go on runs when I can because they bring me joy and help me to de-stress,” Warren said. “I try to do little things like this to keep my energy up for all my involvements and academics.”
This, along with a strong support system of friends and family and her parents’ inspiration, is what helps keep her going. Warren said her parents have taught her the importance of hard work, strength and putting your best foot forward in everything you do.
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