Ms. Angelica Vega | Psychology | Research for community Impact Award

Fordham University | United States

Author Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Angelica Vega's academic journey began at Bronx Community College, where she earned an Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, focusing on Psychology, with a GPA of 3.4. She continued her education at Hunter College (CUNY), where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor in Arts Degree in Psychology, specializing in Clinical Psychology and Studio Art, maintaining an impressive GPA of 3.7. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology at Fordham University, boasting a strong GPA of 3.8. Angelica’s academic path reflects her commitment to understanding human development and psychological well-being.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Ms. Vega’s research experience spans several prestigious labs, including the Youth Development, Diversity, and Disparities (3D) Lab at Fordham University and the Thinking Dog Center at Hunter College. At Fordham, she played a pivotal role in managing an advisory board and establishing a mentorship program within a project funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Her work at Hunter College involved complex behavioral studies on dogs, contributing to larger Big Team science projects. These roles not only highlight her analytical and leadership skills but also demonstrate her passion for interdisciplinary research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Angelica’s research primarily revolves around identifying the risk and protective factors affecting college students, particularly emerging adults and nontraditional students. Her focus on resilience and well-being aims to inform practices that enhance student success, which aligns with her broader commitment to supporting underrepresented groups. Notably, her contributions to the 3E Study and her work with peer support programs at Bronx Community College exemplify her dedication to promoting mental health and student success on campus.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic career, Ms. Vega has received numerous awards, including the Gerry Turkewitz Award from Hunter College and recognition in Bronx Community College's “Transforming Lives One Student at a Time” ad campaign, featured in New York City bus advertisements. Her scholarly excellence is further validated by her placement on the Dean's List at Hunter College and the President’s List at Bronx Community College. Additionally, she has been a recipient of several prestigious scholarships, including the Gerald Turkewitz Memorial Scholarship and the UNCF Pierre and Tana Matisse Scholarship.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Ms. Vega has consistently demonstrated her leadership in various roles, from serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Fordham University to assisting the program director of the Applied Developmental Psychology Ph.D. program. Her ability to mentor, advise, and guide undergraduate students showcases her influence on shaping future psychologists. She has also organized career readiness events, reinforcing her dedication to professional development and student empowerment.

💫 Legacy and Future Contributions

As she progresses in her Ph.D. program and builds upon her extensive research experience, Ms. Vega is poised to make a lasting impact on developmental psychology, student well-being, and higher education practices. Her contributions to mental health research, student resilience, and educational programming will likely influence future generations of students and academics. Angelica's future looks promising, with numerous opportunities to expand her research and mentorship, furthering her legacy as a leader in psychology.

Publications

📄 "Building and Patching a Pipeline: Establishing Viable Pathways from 2-Year Institutions to Graduate School for Aspiring Mental Health Professionals"

Authors: Emalinda Leilani McSpadden, Esther Alyse Levy, Angelica Vega, Rhaida Maldonado

Journal: Trends in Higher Education

Year: 2024