CREAR Lab

Introducing CREAR (Community Research Exploring Adolescent Research) Lab @PittTweet, run by PI @DrAndreaMedrano . Our lab focuses on identifying factors that contribute to adolescents’ optimal well-being and resilience in the face of contextual risk factors. #AcademicChatter

New publication from the CREAR Lab! Courtney Medina, with PI Andrea Medrano, PhD, and former RAs, published a mixed methods study on rural Mexican adolescents’ experiences with sexual & gendered harassment and parent communication about sexual violence. Congrats, Courtney! 🎉

Time isn’t always on transfer students’ side ⏳ Research from our new CREAR Lab publication finds two-year timelines can limit opportunities—only 37% have someone to ask for a recommendation letter. We need more transfer-receptive campuses!

Now recruiting a Hot Metal Bridge Post-Bacc Fellow (Fall 2026–Spring 2027)! Andrea Medrano will mentor a fully funded fellow in the CREAR Lab at Pitt, focusing on trauma, violence, resilience & community-engaged research. Apply by March 20, 2026! lnkd.in/epqKb6qg

@uprm Nos encantaría dialogar sobre formas de compartir este trabajo con su comunidad! #InvestigaciónUPRM #SaludMentalEstudiantil

@uprm Hola @uprm. Nos complace colaborar con la Dra. Cruz López del Departamento de Psicología en las investigaciones STAR*PR/PRIDE. Estos se enfocan en la violencia y discriminación que enfrentan estudiantes universitarios y cómo estas experiencias impactan su salud mental.

CARTELERA SEMANAL DE ACTIVIDADES EN EL RUM Entérate de las actividades que se realizan en el Recinto. uprm.edu/prensa/cartele…

🎉New pub alert! This study explores how IPV and CVE independently and simultaneously contribute to PTSD symptoms. This study also examines if, and to what degree, gender plays a role in moderating this interaction. Read the full article: doi.org/10.1177/088626…

Today, the CREAR Lab spent the day volunteering with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank! Our team is committed to giving back, whether that means supporting the communities we work with outside of the U.S. or contributing locally here in Pittsburgh. #HigherEd #PsychLab

We've partnered with the UDDC (Understanding Development in Diverse Contexts) Lab for a community outreach initiative! This team aims to foster a partnership between Cleveland families and the University of Pittsburgh. #HigherEd #PsychResearch #CommunitySupport

We’ve completed data collection for HAVE HOPE!Gender-based violence is a critical issue in Honduras, yet women’s lived experiences remain understudied. We aim to spark change & advance support. Thank you to participants, RAs, & @CDMHonduras. #GBV #WomensRights #Research #Psych

Congrats to @YadiraEstrada00 for her SPSSI presentation: "Religiosity and Folk Beliefs: Mental Health Help-Seeking in Rural Mexico"! Findings show that spiritual & folk beliefs shape how rural Mexicans seek help. Amazing work, Yadira! #HigherEd #Research #Psychology

Congrats to @Sydni_Davila for presenting her master’s thesis at the SSEA & ISRI pre-conference! She explored how trauma impacts Puerto Rican college students’ identity & mental health. Amazing job! #Trauma #MentalHealth #Research #PsychResearch #HigherEd #CollegeMentalHealth

We’ve officially completed all 3 waves of data collection for Proyecto VENCER! 🎉 A heartfelt thank you to our incredible participants, our research assistants at @PittTweet, @UMSNH_Oficial, and our collaborators at @UTAustin! #PsychResearch #HigherEd #LatinxResearch

Hi all, I am still recruiting for my study investigating factors that impact help-seeking! Please share if you can or reach out for the direct link!

We wrapped up 4 amazing mental health workshops for adolescents in Uruapan! 🌟 Big thanks to Dr. Medrano, Yadira, Angeles, Citlali, Paola & Paulina for leading. Students learned about mental health, signs of distress, & community resources. #MentalHealthMatters #CommunityImpact

Rural Mexican adolescents facing financial hardship and family stress are more likely to experience anxiety and perceived stress, but this study highlights that strong family cohesion and personal resilience can serve as powerful protective factors for mental health outcomes.

@DrAndreaMedrano and @yadiraestrada00 were invited to Radio Oro Morelia, where they discussed the impactful work of the CREAR Lab and our projects. It was an incredible opportunity to spread the word about our work. Listen to the broadcast here: facebook.com/share/v/1GysHS…

New pub alert! 🎊 Sydni, Angela & Dr. Medrano found that family stressors (e.g., loss, divorce) were linked to higher anxiety/stress, while material needs were not. Resilience & family cohesion helped buffer these effects. #AcademicTwitter #HigherEd #PsychResearch #NewPublication

Congrats to @amartinez10_ & @Sydni_Davila for their SRCD presentation "Examining Protective Factors in the Context of Familial and Economic Stressors in Rural Mexican Adolescents"! Their research highlights how resilience & family cohesion can buffer stress. Great work! #SRCD2025

Congrats to @_MedinaCourtney & @Sydni_Davila for presenting at SRCD 2025! Their study found that traditional machismo may heighten detrimental mental health outcomes after sexual harassment among rural Mexican youth, while caballerismo showed no moderating effect. #SRCD2025

Congrats to @DrAndreaMedrano on receiving the Dr. Dolores O. Morris Fund Early Career Grant!✨ Dr. Medrano's research explores how cultural backgrounds shape trauma responses & aims to boost resilience and improve mental health care. We’re proud to support this important work! 💙