STEM Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Symposium 2024: Behavioral Sciences

Valeria Barelli is a 34-year-old Italian pre-med, Biological Sciences student majoring in Biopharmaceutical Science Concentration. She was born and raised in Italy so when she moved to the USA, she transferred credits and transcripts to Miami Dade College from her previous university where she attended Medical Biotechnologies major. Having transferred almost all the exams, she is taking the missing classes to transfer and complete the coursework to apply to medical school. She has always desired to become a surgeon. Hers is not a traditional path, but most of the different experiences and knowledge she has gained over the years will serve her well as she pursues this difficult but wonderful course of study. Since she was little, becoming a surgeon has always been her dream, and as a high achiever, she believes that her dedication and passion allow her to truly enjoy every second of this amazing journey.

Daniela Fonseca is a Venezuelan Psychology student from The Honors College at Padron Campus. Her passion for understanding the human mind, particularly in managing emotions for personal fulfillment and success, has driven her academic and extracurricular pursuits. Daniela is a part of the Dual Language Program and currently serves as the President of both Psych-Force/Psi Beta and the Honors College Ambassadors. Her academic excellence is reflected in her placement on the Dean’s List. Daniela’s research interests include psychology, immigration, and climate change endeavors. Her recent research examines how psychologists can address mental health disorders, such as PTSD and depression, caused by climate migration. Selected to collaborate on the STEM research project "Relationship between bilingualism and cognitive functions in aging and neurodiverse populations," Daniela brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the study. She firmly believes in the importance of assertive communication for mental health, cultural preservation, and the stability of relationships among bilingual immigrants. Outside of her academic pursuits, Daniela enjoys reading, singing, dancing, writing poetry, and recording podcasts for Urbana magazine. Her enthusiasm for research and commitment to psychological well-being make her a valuable contributor to the field.

Patricia Mendez is 23 years old. She is one semester away from a bachelors in biopharmaceutical sciences. She is an aspiring Physician Assistant. She currently has an associate in business administration and works as a pharmacy technician at Publix. She also worked in a medical office for about a year and is currently shadowing a pediatrician at an urgent care on the weekends. Some of the accomplishments she has achieved are obtaining her pharmacy tech license, developing marketing skills for her social media account that has reached over ten million views, and time management. She is currently doing research at Nova Southeastern University with the effects of social media on this generation. It is a very popular topic that resonates with many individuals. Knowledge is truly power, and she always looks to further her knowledge of different topics in this world.