Biography

Teresa Rivera is a dual-major, PhD student with the Department of Sociology and Chicano/Latino Studies Program. Her research interests include understanding the lived experiences of Latino immigrants with a special interest in the: individual and collective conceptualizations of trauma, the duality of resilience, and how U.S. mental health interventions can holistically support the needs of the Latino immigrant community.

Originally from Texas, Teresa combines her previous experiences growing up in a border town with her BA in Sociology from Texas A&M University and most recently an MSW from Ferris State University to begin her work at MSU. With her work Teresa strives to provide insight into and validation for the Latino immigrant community. She also believes that research can be used to strengthen individuals, bridge communities, advocate for populations, and aid in bringing about systemic change. She hopes her research will add to the efforts that have come before her. When she is not working, Teresa likes to rest by taking time to be at home with her family. She also enjoys a good coffee, getting lost in cooking, or going out for a run whether it be sunshine or snowfall, though she greatly prefers doing so in the former.

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