Research and Clinical Assistants

MINT Research and Clinical Assistants

Amanda Abreu

Amanda Abreu , is an undergraduate student at Florida International University majoring in Psychology. In addition to her time as a research assistant, Amanda works as a receptionist at a private practice, guiding patients and prospective patients towards the best care for their needs. She plans to pursue a higher education in the field of Psychology and provide care to working class populations and under-served communities. Amanda’s goal is to provide accessible care with an honest and compassionate approach. Her hobbies include painting, sculpting clay pieces, going to the beach, and trying new food.

Benjamin Buckle

Benjamin Buckle is an undergraduate student at Florida International University, majoring in Psychology. He is passionate about mental health and the factors that shape emotional well-being. He plans to pursue either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical psychology and become a clinical psychologist focused on providing evidence-based care. He hopes to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals navigate challenges and build healthier lives.

María Cabrera, B.A.

María Cabrera graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Education from Florida International University. She is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She plans to pursue a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology. María is also an MRI Research Assistant at FIU’s ABCD Study. On her off time, María observes at a Speech-Language Pathology clinic which she LOVES, especially when kiddos call her “Ms. Mawia” and not “Ms. María”. When she’s not working as an RA, or observing, María loves spending time with family, friends, traveling (especially to Disney), going to the beach and cooking up new recipes.

Steffano D’Aquaro

Steffano D’Aquaro, is an undergraduate student at Florida International University, majoring in Psychology. From a very young age, Steffano knew he wanted to dedicate his life to helping others become the best versions of themselves. He chose to study psychology because many people see mental health problems as irrelevant, when in reality they can take a serious toll on one’s life. Steffano’s research interests include childhood and adolescent depression and anxiety. He plans to pursue a Psy.D. and become a Clinical Psychologist.

Gianna Gato, B.S.

Gianna Gato recently graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and loves working with children and adolescents. She is interested in how interpersonal relationships and everyday environments, such as school and social media, shape youth development and mental health. Gianna hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to support youth and families through both research and clinical care. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing soccer, and watching Modern Family.

Lauren Lockhart

Lauren Lockhart is an undergraduate student at Florida International University majoring in Psychology and completing a Certificate in Health Humanities. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Psychology in hopes of eventually establishing a private practice. Lauren envisions to destigmatize mental health conversations and offer effective solutions for mental illness without medication. She is particularly interested in researching the impact of social media, conformity, social isolation, and substance abuse on the developing brain, as well as the behaviors these factors may trigger. In her leisure time, she enjoys working out, listening to music, and savoring good food!

Eleani Padrón

Eleani Padrón , is a recent graduate of Florida International University seeking to address gaps in academic scientific research on the Latinx community through active involvement, conversation, and advocacy. She dreams of providing compassionate, quality, accessible, culturally-competent care to diverse populations in Spanish and English through work as a Counseling/Clinical Psychologist. Her values of collective well-being and empowerment through knowledge translate into her favorite pastimes of movement in all forms, especially salsa and reggaetón dance, singing, and reading.