Daniela Rodriguez Soto Summer Research Fellow 2022
"Mental Health and Campus Resources for the Latino Community."
"The research study will focus on the mental health and resources available for the Latino community at the University of Kentucky. With the intention of supporting minority group members, the research initiative seeks to understand, listen to, and evaluate the mental health of the community through in-depth analysis. Latinos can face many challenges, which are unique to their culture and ethnicity. The research intends to listen to and understand broadly undergraduate students from the university to see what challenges they are facing and how they believe they can be supported. This will be done with a focus group held via Zoom, where students will be able to share their thoughts and feelings with the researchers. The data collected will be analyzed via thematic analysis. This information will inform our understanding of the attitudes of the Latinx community and could inform future interventions. Faculty in the Department of Integrated Strategic Communication will support this study to help better understand the struggles and desires of the Latino community."
Q. FINISH THIS SENTENCE: "I enjoy research because....."
A. "It’s an opportunity to challenge the collective knowledge to have improvement in our community."
Q. How did you first get interested in undergraduate research at UK?
A. "Ever since I came to this country I wanted to leave my trace and advocate for my community. Getting involved in research was the perfect opportunity to learn how to support minorities and create tools that will genuinely support their needs."
Q. What has been the most exciting aspect of your research experience so far?
A. "So far the most exiting experience has been conducting the focus groups and learning about the topic with the collected data."
Q. How has undergraduate research impacted your college experience at the University of Kentucky?
A. "It has been a challenge to manage the classes and a job throughout the semester. The research experience has taken the best of my abilities to perform the best way possible. In many ways, this experience has made me more aware of my community by challenging my thinking on mental health and minorities."
Q. What advice would you give to UK students who are considering starting research?
A. "Never take opportunities for granted, there is always something you can learn and someone you can support. Research is an opportunity to do both."