Kristina Lopez
Kristina G. Lopez is a third-year student double majoring in Psychology and Chicano/a/x Studies, with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. As a first-generation college student from Riverside, CA, Kristina’s research focuses on the impacts and implications of systemic injustice on Latiné mental health. Supported by the Keck program, she is examining the differences in mental health outcomes and referrals among racial-ethnic minority foster youth by analyzing the effects of the type and quantity of youth maltreatment on mental health service referrals over a five-year period. Her research aims to identify factors that influence referral pathways within Child Protective Services (CPS). This includes the types and quantities of reported maltreatment, which help identify patterns of service access within the welfare system—particularly for racial-ethnic minority youth, who often face additional barriers to care. The findings will elucidate how maltreatment factors affect CPS mental health service referrals for racial-ethnic minority youth and identify potential service disparities within the child welfare system. This will support identifying targets for systematic implementation of effective services to reduce adverse mental health outcomes for minority youth. Kristina’s overarching goal is to use data-driven scientific research to identify and address structural inequities affecting historically minoritized youth. Outside of her work with Keck, Kristina is deeply involved with campus organizations, including the Health Equity and Anti-Racism Community Advisory Board, and serves as the Health-Education Coordinator for UCLA Flying Samaritans.
