JV earned two Bachelors of Arts in Psychology & Women's and Gender Studies and a certificate in Queer Studies at Florida International University in Miami. She has received numerous awards throughout her academic career, including the Academic Excellence Award and the Student Leader of the Year award. Her scholarship contributes to the global community. She is a Ronald E. McNair Scholar researcher and a recipient of the Global Learning Medallion.
Research interests primarily focus on assessing social issues concerning equity, stereotypes, and prejudice around marginalized communities from an intersectional, psychological, gender, and sexuality perspective. Additionally, she examines psychological and physical health outcomes of adverse experiences related to systemic and/or interpersonal violence against ethnic minorities. Ultimately, aimingto apply evidence-based research to dismantle gender bias, intersectional societal systems of privilege and oppression, inequality, and discourage the perpetuation of violence and abuse.
Faculty Advisors: Liz Cole
