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Luz Maria Garcini

Luz Maria Garcini

Director, Center for Community and Public Health
Associate Professor, Psychological Sciences
Faculty Scholar, Center for the US & Mexico (Baker Institute)
AF Faculty, Dept. of Medicine, ReACH Center (UTHSCSA)

Psychological Sciences

WEBSITE(S)| Kinder Institute for Urban Research | Center for the U.S. & Mexico, Baker Institute of Public Policy | UTHSCSA ReACH Center | The Latinx Immigrant Health Alliance | VOCES Research Collective

Luz M. Garcini, PhD., MPH, Licensed Psychologist, Texas # 38267

Dr. Garcini’s research, community, advocacy and policy work focuses on identifying, understanding, and addressing the health needs of historically marginalized communities from a biobehavioral and sociocultural perspective. Using a socioecological approach and a social determinants of health lens, Dr. Garcini’s interdisciplinary research is aimed at informing population health by identifying mechanisms of risk and resilience in the face of social disadvantage and life adversity. In using community-engaged science, biomarkers in the field, and a wide range of epidemiological and mixed-methodologies to the study of historically marginalized populations, Dr. Garcini’s goal is to contribute to health equity by increasing inclusivity and diversity in science.

Dr. Garcini’s contributions to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice are evident in her track record of publications, presentations, awards received, and funding allocated. Her work and advocacy efforts have received widespread media coverage in avenues such as Univision, Telemundo, CBS, Medical News Today, U.S. News and World Report, MSN, Global News Report, and the Oprah’s Book Club, among others.

Dr. Garcini’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the health and social sciences is evident through her service and mentoring endeavors across settings and organizations. Currently, she serves as the representative of the National Latinx Psychological Association to the Council of Representatives for the American Psychological Association (APA) and as a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board to the APA Council. Dr. Garcini is a strong and committed advocate to increase diversity in science, including opening avenues for increased retention and representation of students and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. She has an extensive record of mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and across the fields of psychology, medicine, nursing, public health, and marketing.

Dr. Garcini is originally from Mexico City. More information about Dr. Garcini’s personal story, can be found in this podcast.

RESEARCH INTEREST GROUP(S)

Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience
Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine

Research Areas

Clinical & Health Psychology, Psychology of Trauma and Life Adversity, Psychoneuroimmunology, Biobehavioral Health Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, Immigrant Health, Community-Engaged Research, Health and Migration Policy, Biobehavioral Interventions, Widowhood, Caregiving, Trauma and Loss

Education

B.A. in Psychology and English, University of Houston, Texas, 2003

M.S. in Clinical Psychology, University of Houston Clear Lake, 2008

M.S. in Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, 2012

MPH in Public Health Epidemiology, San Diego State University, San Diego, 2015

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program, San Diego, 2016

Clinical Internship (Health psychology and behavioral medicine), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, 2016

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