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Apopka, Florida

My most recent research centers around immigrants living in Apopka, Florida. This research was part of my doctoral research in medical anthropology. I examined how the COVID-19 pandemic worsened conditions for immigrants living in Florida, despite their immigration status. I explored how these conditions affected their mental health and coping mechanisms for stress and violence. This research indicates a great need in the community for mental health services. My research also revealed insights about two NGOs that serve the Apopka community. These NGOs both provide direct aid to the community as well as other forms of assistance such as social justice. 

Siracusa, Sicily, Italy

In 2010  I visited Siracusa, Sicily as part of an undergraduate study abroad program. During this time, I volunteered at a local reception center for men asylum-seekers. In 2015, I returned to Siracusa to conduct preliminary research for my M.A. in Cultural Anthropology. In 2016, I conducted ethnographic field research at six refugee centers: one center for men refugees, one center for refugee women and infants, three refugee centers for unaccompanied minors, and one center for men, women, and children refugees. My MA thesis entitled "Life After the Boat: Understanding the Needs of Asylum-seekers in Sicily" won the UCF College of Sciences Award for Outstanding Master's Thesis. I plan to continue this line of inquiry in Italy for my doctoral research, and further examine the experiences of women and unaccompanied minor asylum-seekers. 

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Photo Credits: Russell Rice Manzano ©

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