2019 MAPP Fall Scholar: Nathalia Muñoz Giraldo
Nathalia Muñoz Giraldo studied psychology at the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany and later obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical psychology and behavioral medicine at the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain. She participated in an internship at the Fundació ACE validating the Spanish tablet version of a neuropsychological tool (S-FNAME-12T), which evaluates memory changes along the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) spectrum. Her research has been focused on the relationship between personality changes during AD development. Nathalia aspires to keep working with the Latinx community on the development of new tools that are sensitive to detect cognitive decline at early stages. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach and music .
Meet Our 2019 Summer Scholars!
Mónica C. Acevedo-Molina
Mónica is a third-year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Arizona. As a graduate student working with Dr. Matthew Grilli, Mónica’s research focuses on how bilingualism influences memory in healthy aging. She aims to explore the potential of episodic autobiographical memory as a cognitive process that can be used to detect early signs of memory impairment among Hispanic individuals that are bilingual.
Alan Marquez
Alan studied biology at Florida International University and later obtained an masters in Biomedical Sciences from Drexel University in 2017. He is currently a 2nd year medical student at San Juan Bautista with a strong interest in neurosciences. Alan plans to pursue a specialty in either neurology or psychiatry. Alan has always had an interest in Alzheimer’s disease since losing his grandmother to the condition in 2012. His current research interests include the protective effects of diet and exercise on the progression of Alzheimer’s. When not studying, he enjoys exercising, watching sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Mariana Quintero Tapasco
Mariana is a rising junior at Boston College where she studies Psychology and Hispanic Studies. Her research interests lie in mental health of underprivileged communities especially youth and aging populations. Hoping to pursue a career as a child and adolescent psychiatrist in developmental diseases. At school, she participates in the Organization for Latin American Affairs, where she coordinates panels on social and political issues connected to the Latino experience. Outside of class and her executive board, Mariana enjoys cooking, reading and dancing.
Amneris Igartúa-González
Amneris is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the Psychology program in the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (UPRM). Her research experience is based on a qualitative study at UPRM under the mentorship of Dr. Mario Nuñez which consisted of analyzing the experiences of the elderly that have integrated running or walking as part of their lifestyles. She aspires to pursue graduate studies focusing on physical activity and the mental health of the elderly. Amneris enjoys the beach, drinking coffee, and spending time with her family.
Glariangeliz Tapia-Nazario
Glariangeliz is a rising senior from the Psychology Department of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (UPRM). She participated in an internship at the Stress Management Center of the Department of Medical Services of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. Tapia-Nazario is also currently in three research projects under the mentorships of Dr. Douglas Santos Sánchez, PhD., Dr. Fernando Vega Riveros Ph.D. and Dr. Edwin Asencio Ph.D. She has made posters and oral presentations in diverse forums about her research of “The Prevalence of Bulimia Nervosa” in the UPRM. Additionally, she is working on a publication for the journal of the Association of Psychologists of Puerto Rico (APPR). Tapia-Nazario aspires to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology with research interests in Neuroscience.
Laura Ramirez Aguilar
Laura Ramirez Aguilar received her degree as medical doctor from the University of Antioquia (Colombia) and in August, 2019 she will complete her post graduate studies in Clinical Neurology at the same university. She has been part of the Group of Neuroscience of Antioquia since 2014, where she has participated in research studies with families with Autosomal Dominant forms of Alzheimer Disease. She also enjoys hiking, swimming, classic films and books.
2019 MAPP Scholarship
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias are complex neurological disorders that are expected to shift the socio-demographic trends in the U.S. and beyond, with drastic public health consequences for the global community. There is an urgent need for training the next generation of clinician-scientists who are well-versed to provide culturally sensitive and language appropriate assessments and conduct research with diverse patients with such diseases.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Multicultural Alzheimer’s Prevention Program (MAPP) is pleased to announce two openings for the MAPP Scholars Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) beginning June.
The MAPP Scholars Program is designed to introduce exceptionally-qualified underrepresented and diverse doctoral students to a career in dementia-related clinical research. The program also seeks to enhance their proficiencies in assessing and diagnosing cognitive impairment in diverse individuals, as well as their professional networking opportunities in the field of Alzheimer’s disease prevention.
The program offers Scholars a rich array of activities and support to maximize their experience:
- Stipend support during the 10-week training program.
- Lectures and curriculum elements structured to deepen the training and knowledge bases of participants.
- Mentoring and networking opportunities.
ELIGIBILITY
- The MAPP Scholars Program provides training and networking opportunities for students who are considered to be underrepresented in medicine (URM). The program follows the definition of URM of the NIH and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). URM groups may include Latino/ Hispanic (including Brazilian), African-American/Black, American Indian, Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Natives, among others.
- The program is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents or foreign nationals.
- Candidates must be enrolled in a Graduate program in psychology or neuroscience. They must also have an interest and background in neuropsychology, clinical neuroscience or a related field.
If an applicant is currently receiving funding from a U.S. federal training or career development grant, please contact the program director for eligibility before applying.
Scholars must live in Boston during the entire duration of the 10-week training program.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applicants should submit the following materials:
- Personal statement of interest (500 words)
- Statement of research goals
- Official transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Curriculum vita
Applicants are chosen based on their academic credentials and the areas of research interest.
Letters of recommendation may be sent directly to Dr. Yakeel T. Quiroz, the Program Director.
Skype interviews will take place in the first two weeks of March. All interviewed applicants will receive an email with the final decision by April.
All inquiries and application materials should be forwarded to:
Yakeel T. Quiroz, PhD
Director, MAPP
Department of Psychiatry
Massachusetts General Hospital
One Bowdoin Square, Suite 701
Boston, MA 02114
Email: yquiroz@mgh.harvard.edu
2018 MAPP Summer Scholars: Valeria Torres
Watch to learn about what Valeria will be doing with MAPP this summer and why she thinks multiculturally sensitive approaches to research and clinical intervention are vital.