“Adaptation isn’t just about surviving change – it’s about learning to thrive through it.”
About
Through my research and work in behavioral psychology, I explore how humans adapt and grow through change. My journey from Colombia to California shaped my understanding of resilience, leading to a career dedicated to helping others navigate life's transitions.
my story
Growing up in Medellín, Colombia, I was surrounded by a community that valued resilience and adaptation. When my family immigrated to the United States during my early childhood, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of human adaptability. Those early years of cultural transition became the foundation for my lifelong fascination with how people navigate change.
My journey through the American education system as a first-generation immigrant shaped my understanding of personal transformation. While my parents worked tirelessly to create opportunities for our family, I discovered my passion for understanding the human mind through the lens of both psychology and neuroscience. This dual perspective would later influence my approach to studying resilience and adaptation.
The intersection of my personal experience and academic interests led me to explore how individuals and organizations can develop greater adaptability. Through my research and work with diverse populations, I've witnessed the remarkable capacity of the human mind to grow and transform, reinforcing my belief that adaptability is not just a skill but a fundamental human strength.
My journey through the American education system as a first-generation immigrant shaped my understanding of personal transformation. While my parents worked tirelessly to create opportunities for our family, I discovered my passion for understanding the human mind through the lens of both psychology and neuroscience. This dual perspective would later influence my approach to studying resilience and adaptation.
The intersection of my personal experience and academic interests led me to explore how individuals and organizations can develop greater adaptability. Through my research and work with diverse populations, I've witnessed the remarkable capacity of the human mind to grow and transform, reinforcing my belief that adaptability is not just a skill but a fundamental human strength.
Professional Journey
My professional path began in the research laboratories of UC Berkeley, where I studied the neurological basis of adaptation and resilience. This foundation in neuroscience, combined with my growing interest in behavioral psychology, led me to pursue research that bridged these fields. The opportunity to work with leading researchers in both areas shaped my interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior.
After completing my Ph.D. at Stanford, I focused on translating complex research findings into practical applications. This work has evolved into a career that combines academic research, teaching, and public engagement, allowing me to share insights about human adaptation and resilience with diverse audiences worldwide.
After completing my Ph.D. at Stanford, I focused on translating complex research findings into practical applications. This work has evolved into a career that combines academic research, teaching, and public engagement, allowing me to share insights about human adaptation and resilience with diverse audiences worldwide.