https://med.ucf.edu/kvillalba/welcome/

Women's Global Health Research Lab, 6850 Lake Nona Boulevard, Orlando, FL (2025)

05/15/2024

🎓 Congratulations to Valeria Cardenas, Katherin, and Dinamaris Aguilar on their graduation! Your dedication and hard work in the research lab have been truly inspiring. Wishing you all continued success in your future endeavors! 🌟 hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

05/06/2024

🌟 Meet Radhika Venkatesan🌟

🎓 Radhika Venkatesan, an inspiring undergraduate at the University of Central Florida, is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences with a noble vision. Deeply committed to addressing health disparities, Radhika’s focus lies on improving the well-being of historically underserved women and children.

👩‍🎓 Recognizing the critical need for better healthcare solutions, Radhika founded the Mothers and Children Health Association at UCF. Through this organization, she works tirelessly to raise awareness and tackle the challenges facing maternal health and the broader issues that affect women and children’s lives.

🔬 With a keen interest in integrating her academic pursuits with practical applications, Radhika is actively involved in research that aligns with her goals. Her passion for bridging healthcare gaps is paving the way for her future career as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN), where she aims to directly impact healthcare access and outcomes.

💪 Radhika’s dedication to her studies and her community sets a powerful example of how young leaders can influence significant change. By combining her education with a deep-seated desire to serve, Radhika is on a path to make meaningful differences in the lives of many.

🌍 Watch this space as Radhika Venkatesan continues to drive forward her mission, inspiring others with her commitment to health equity and exemplary leadership.

05/06/2024

🌟 Celebrating UCF Student Research Week 2024 🌟

🔬 Reflecting on an inspiring week from March 25-29, 2024, the UCF community came together to celebrate and showcase the extensive research and creative scholarship of our talented students. The event highlighted the power of research across all disciplines and its impact on personal career growth and community betterment.

🎓 A standout event was the Student Scholar Symposium held in the UCF Student Union Pegasus Ballroom, where our researchers students presented their innovative research and creative projects. Highlights included:

🧠 “Exploring the Link Between Neurocognitive Function and Long COVID: A Comprehensive Review” by Dinamaris Aguilar, Dr. Benjamin Fry, and Dr. Karina Villalba.

🌿 “The Association Between Cannabis and Depression in Women Who Experienced PTSD” by Katherin Sanchez, Paula Martinez de Pinillos, Dr. Julia Soulakova, Dr. Christa Cook, and Dr. Karina Villalba.

👩‍🔬 These presentations not only demonstrated cutting-edge research but also provided a platform for students to engage with the UCF community, receive valuable feedback, and foster connections that support their academic and professional journeys.

💡 UCF Student Research Week was a testament to the vibrant scholarly community at UCF, underscoring that research truly is for everyone. Looking forward to next year’s exciting discoveries!

05/06/2024

🌟 Meet Jamia Sapp 🌟

🎓 Jamia Sapp, a dedicated researcher and South Florida native, who has made significant strides in the field of biomedical science. Jamia earned her undergraduate degree in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University and later completed a Master of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Central Florida.

🔬 Jamia is currently involved in a pivotal study focusing on the effects of CBD and ma*****na on anxiety in older women. This research is crucial in understanding potential therapeutic benefits and informing future healthcare practices.

🌿 After her graduation, Jamia relocated to South Carolina, where she is now accumulating clinical care hours in preparation for applying to Physician Assistant School. Her experience in both research and clinical settings is preparing her to excel in the next phase of her career.

🏞️ Outside of her professional pursuits, Jamia enjoys spending quality time with her family and pets, and relishing the outdoors. These activities not only provide her with relaxation but also keep her grounded and connected to her roots.

📚 As Jamia continues her journey towards becoming a Physician Assistant, her commitment to healthcare and her community remains stronger than ever. Watch for her future contributions to medical science and patient care!

05/06/2024

🌟 UCF Celebrates the Arts 2023: The REALity of ARTificial Intelligence 🌟

🎭 Dr. Karina Villalba recently joined her research students at the “UCF Celebrates the Arts 2023” event, which this year spotlighted the intriguing theme: “The REALity of ARTificial Intelligence.” This gathering was a unique fusion of technology and creativity, providing a platform to explore the impacts and intersections of AI with various art forms.

🖼️ The event was a spectacular showcase of innovative projects from UCF students and faculty, illustrating the dynamic ways AI can enhance, challenge, and redefine artistic expression. It provided valuable insights into the potential of AI to inspire new artistic realms and influence contemporary research methodologies.

📚 Dr. Villalba’s involvement in such an event underscores her commitment to remaining at the cutting edge of research and education, bridging the gap between science, technology, and the humanities.

05/06/2024

🌟 Meet Jocelyn Mueller 🌟

🎓 Jocelyn Mueller, a dedicated researcher with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Florida, is currently advancing her studies at the University of New Orleans, where she is pursuing an M.S. in Psychology. Since August 2021, Jocelyn has been a lead research assistant in our lab, diligently expanding her research expertise.

🔬 With a passion for health psychology, gender studies, and LGBTQ+ studies, Jocelyn is not only deepening her understanding of these fields but is also actively contributing to the body of knowledge through her rigorous academic pursuits. She is currently in the process of applying to PhD programs, aiming to further her impact in the field of social psychology.

🌈 Jocelyn’s work reflects her commitment to exploring complex social issues and promoting a deeper understanding of diverse human experiences. Her research is particularly focused on the intersections of health, gender, and sexual orientation, contributing to more inclusive and comprehensive psychological studies.

📚 As Jocelyn continues her educational journey, her dedication and innovative approach to psychology promise to inspire and lead to significant advancements in understanding human behavior and mental health.

05/06/2024

🌟 Dr. Villalba’s Impactful Visit to La Paz, Bolivia 🌟

🔬 In 2023, Dr. Karina Villalba made a significant journey to La Paz, Bolivia, where she visited a shelter dedicated to supporting abused women. This visit was part of her ongoing commitment to addressing intimate partner violence and enhancing women’s health globally.

👩‍🔬 During her time at the shelter, Dr. Villalba engaged with both the staff and the women, sharing her expertise and learning about the unique challenges they face. Her work in integrating mind and body practices in interventions shone through, offering hope and new strategies to those in need.

🌍 This visit highlights Dr. Villalba’s dedication not only to her research but also to making a tangible difference in the lives of women affected by violence. Her efforts to bridge health disparities and promote evidence-based practices were profoundly appreciated by all who met her.

📢 Dr. Villalba continues to be a beacon of support and change, driving forward the global conversation on health equity and women’s rights.

05/06/2024

🌟 Meet Jodi-Ann Johnson🌟

🎓 Jodi-Ann Johnson, a recent graduate from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, is a passionate advocate for maternal health and health equity. Her journey began with volunteering at Island Hope International, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the Black Maternal & Infant Health Crisis through advocacy, service, and empowerment.

🔬 Since January 2022, Jodi-Ann has been actively involved in research through the Medical Mentorship Navigation Program (MMNP) at the College of Medicine. This opportunity has not only fueled her passion but also allowed her to give back by mentoring undergraduate students, sharing the valuable resources and knowledge she has gained.

👩‍⚕️ Aspiring to be an osteopathic physician, Jodi-Ann is currently in the application process for the 2022-2023 cycle. Her commitment to wholistic care, women’s health, and reducing health disparities drives her pursuit of a career in functional medicine.

🌿 Outside of her professional pursuits, Jodi-Ann cherishes her time attending church, enjoying family gatherings, and engaging in hobbies like natural hair care, crochet, and outdoor adventures. She lives by the philosophy that “Health is a treasure. Of all temporal possessions, it is the most precious.”

🌍 Jodi-Ann’s dedication to health and well-being is a beacon of hope and inspiration. Follow her journey as she strives to make a significant impact in the world of health care and public health.

05/06/2024

🌟 2024 SUPER Symposium 🌟

🔬 This past February, the Downtown UCF campus was buzzing with excitement as it hosted the first annual Symposium by the Substance Use Policy Evaluation and Research (SUPER) team. It was an insightful gathering focusing on critical issues surrounding substance use disorder and mental health policy.

📚 The event took a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, featuring key research and workshops from fields including the justice system, counseling, public affairs, anthropology, and more. The energy and collaborative spirit were palpable as experts and attendees exchanged ideas and solutions.

📊 Highlight presentations included:

“Investigating the Association Between Executive Functioning, Emotional Regulation, and Lifetime Abuse Among Women with a History of Alcohol Abuse” by Dinamaris Aguilar and Dr. Karina Villalba.

“The Association Between Cannabis and Anxiety in Women Who Experienced PTSD” by Paula Martinez de Pinillos, Katherin Sanchez, Dr. Julia Soulakova, Dr. Christa Cook, and Dr. Karina Villalba.

🌍 These presentations not only showcased cutting-edge research but also highlighted the profound impact of interdisciplinary efforts in tackling complex health issues.

👏 A big thank you to all the participants and organizers who made this symposium a success. Here’s to many more years of meaningful discussions and groundbreaking research!

05/06/2024

🌟 Meet Kayla Reyes🌟

🔬 Kayla Reyes, a trailblazing graduate research assistant and first-generation college graduate, earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Central Florida. Kayla is on a path to fulfill her dream of becoming a Pediatrician and ultimately, a Pediatric Cardio Surgeon.

🏥 Kayla’s passion for pediatric care was further ignited through her volunteer work at Nemours, where she gained invaluable insights and experience in the field. This has inspired her to deepen her involvement in women’s health research and accumulate clinical hours during her gap year, strategically preparing for medical school.

🎢 When she’s not advancing her career or volunteering, Kayla loves unwinding at Disney and cherishing moments with her friends and family, adding balance and joy to her busy life.

📚 Kayla is a dedicated and inspiring figure in the medical community, representing the bright future of healthcare. Keep an eye on her journey as she strives to make a significant impact in pediatric care!

05/06/2024

🌟 Dr. Karina Villalba Takes the Stage in Seville, Spain 🌟

🔬 Dr. Karina Villalba had the privilege of presenting her cutting-edge research in Seville, Spain.

🌍 This presentation was a part of Dr. Villalba’s ongoing efforts to foster global collaboration and share her findings with the broader scientific community. Her innovative approaches to integrating mind and body practices into public health interventions were particularly highlighted.

📢 Stay tuned for more updates on Dr. Villalba’s work and her next steps in advancing global health equity.

05/06/2024

🌟 Introducing Valeria Cardenas 🌟

🔬 Meet Valeria, a senior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Diversity and Social Inequality. An ardent advocate for women’s health and reproductive well-being, Valeria combines her passion for medicine with her commitment to social equity and cultural understanding.

🎓 As she prepares for a future in medicine, Valeria is not only aiming for medical school but also plans to enhance her expertise by pursuing a Master’s in Public Health after graduation. Her dedication to academia is matched by her active involvement in groundbreaking research.

🌍 Valeria’s research interests are broad yet focused on critical issues such as global health, the impact of cultural influences on healthcare, the ongoing effects of COVID-19, and most importantly, women’s reproductive health. Since May 2023, she has been a committed member of the Women’s Global Health lab, contributing to research that aims to better the lives of women across the globe.

👩‍🔬 Watch Valeria as she continues to drive change and advocate for the health of women, utilizing her education to make a significant impact on public health and social justice.

Women's Global Health Research Lab

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