• Hometown: Storm Lake, IA
• Faculty mentor/advisor: Nicole Novak, Assistant Research Scientist, Community and Behavioral Health
• What is your degree program and expected graduate date? Global Health Studies Major, Latino Studies Minor – May 2020
• Please describe your research:  My research includes understanding the health impacts of undocumented immigrants previously detained by ICE and the effects during and after their time in immigration detention. I gather this information by conducting in-depth, anonymous interviews with Iowa immigrants in English or Spanish.
• In simple terms, why does this research matter?  I believe this research matters because in the past couple years, the number of undocumented immigrants being detained is rising rapidly. The toll it takes on detainees, their family, and community takes into great affect, especially when in detention. The health impacts of these people are not recorded to an extent, and I think it’s important for people to recognize how immigration detention impacts community’s health-wise.
• How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? I began participating in research my junior year here at the university. I since then have been able to participate in 3 separate research opportunities.
• How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? Becoming involved in research has allowed me to learn more about the history and current inequities throughout the state. It has made me learn about the passion I hold for the health implications that happen within the Latinx community.
• What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? Post-graduation I will be working at Proteus, Inc., a non-profit organization that serves migrant farmworkers. I eventually want to get my Master of Public Health in Community and Behavioral Sciences. I would like to work or implement programs that focus on health interventions for immigrant communities.

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