Latina|o Resilience Model: An emerging framework with current research applications

1:45pm-3:15pm

Presenter: Caitlin Deis

Session Type: Panel Discussion

Topic: Identities and intersectionality

Recording

Description

This panel session will begin by providing attendees with an overview of an emerging
theoretical framework connected to Latinx college student resilience and its asset-based
perspective. Then, the session will focus on currently funded research that is utilizing/applying
the model. This will be presented in two parts: 1) Applying the framework through a case study
of a previous Latina undergraduate, which identified the college context, particularly social
support through a Latina organization, as contributing to her resilience through her degree
program; 2) A case study on Latinx medical students at a public, urban, research one, Hispanic
Serving Institution (HSI) in Texas. This qualitative study intends to explore student resilience
prior to matriculating into medical school as well as the impact on the student’s resilience, after
enrolling at an HSI. The panelists will offer attendees a chance to see research in action and
understand how frameworks are developed and refined

Facilitator

Caitlin Deis

Doctoral student, University of Houston

cdeis@central.uh.edu

Caitlin Deis is a scholar-practitioner with 9 years of experience in higher education. She
currently serves students as the Assistant Director for Employer Development and Relations
within University Career Services at the University of Houston. In her previous role, as a STEM
Career Counselor, she provided one on one and group career counseling to STEM undergraduate
and graduate students. She is also currently a 2
nd year Doctoral student in the Higher Education
Leadership and Policy Studies program at the University of Houston. Her research interests aim
to strengthen the relationship between social science and medical education, specifically
examining the K-12 pipeline experiences and professional development of Latinx medical
students.

Panelists

Dr. Emma Claudia Perez

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Project Manager

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Houston

Dr. Emma Claudia Perez is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Project Manager in Educational
Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Houston. In this role, she coordinates the
design, execution, and management of the project: Broadening Participation in STEM: A
Qualitative Analysis of Resilience Experiences and Strategies of Latina STEM Majors in
Hispanic Serving Institutions. Dr. Perez received her PhD in behavioral neuroscience, and she
co-founded the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in
Science (SACNAS) chapter at UH. Her personal experience and expertise as a Latina in sciences
thus support the project as she assists in advancing knowledge and understanding of the Latina
student population

Dr. Elsa Gonzalez

Associate Professor of Higher Education

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Houston

Dr. Elsa Gonzalez is Associate Professor of Higher Education in the Department of Educational
Leadership and Policy Studies in the University of Houston. Dr. Gonzalez is the Regional Editor
of the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education (QSE), and Board Member of the
Journal of Hispanic in Higher Education. She is the author of 90 publications, her research
interests include issues in higher education such as underrepresented students, Latinx students,
access, resilience, retention, and graduation in STEM fields; HSI institutions; higher education
leadership and methodological issues in cross-language qualitative methodology. Recently she
was awarded from the National Science Foundation (NSF) – with a CAREER grant award for
her project: CAREER: Broadening Participation in STEM: A Qualitative Analysis of Resilience
Experiences and Strategies of Latina STEM Majors in HSIs. She is the author of the book "An
Asset-Based Approach to Advancing Latina Students in STEM: Increasing Resilience,
Participation, and Success".