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RESEARCH OVERVIEW

My groundbreaking research examines how change and transfermation unfold across multiple contexts, revealing how family, educational, and community systems shape children’s and teens’ trajectories. As a cross-disciplinar scholar bridging psychology, education, and trans studies, I develop equity-driven solutions with broad societal impact. My work challenges traditional frameworks, centering the voices of youth who have been historically excluded from research, particularly those navigating multiple marginalized identities. Using innovative methodological approaches and international collaborations, my research program demonstrates how institutional systems can be transfermed to better support young people's thriving across contexts. 

My extensive track record of research projects —supported by competitive grants from leading Latin American institutions (including Universidad de la República’s I+D Project [Uruguay], Universidad de Ibagué’s Central Research Council [Colombia], and Mexico’s Program for Professional Development of Teachers), plus innovative projects executed through resource-sharing partnerships and community engagement across Colombia, Portugal, Ecuador, and Mexico—demonstrates my ability to build international collaborations that create lasting positive change in young people’s lives.

Current projects

  • Developing cross-system solutions for trans and gender-diverse youth through transfermative education partnerships with TfS in NYC and Mocha Celis in Buenos Aires.

  • Launching “What I Wish My Teachers Knew,” amplifying voices of trans/nonbinary children to shape safer schools.

  • Committed to bridging education, health, and social services to empower marginalized communities globally.

PAST PROJECTS

  • Explored children’s relationships with adults in 'unconventional' caregiving environments, reexamining Attachment Theory through an equity lens.

  • Led groundbreaking studies on the secure base phenomenon in Mexican public daycares, and lesbian and gay parented-families, addressing contextual impacts on socioemotional development.

  • Investigated attitudes toward same-sex parenting across 14 Latin American countries and Portugal.

  • Conducted the first global study on parenting aspirations among plurisexual and trans youth, influencing inclusive policy changes.

  • At Tufts University, expanded research to support gender-diverse youth through interdisciplinary approaches.

  • Co-led studies on Latinx gay fathers’ experiences with marginalization.

  • Pioneered global research on young nonbinary children’s gender identities, earning leadership roles in SOGIE health equity initiatives.

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