I’m a researcher and storyteller who loves finding the “why” behind human behavior — and turning that understanding into strategies that move people and businesses forward.
As a mixed methods researcher, I prioritize both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analyses in my pursuit of data-driven improvements.
Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences
Minor in Spanish
University of Southern California
2017
Masters in Health Science: Mental Health Health Disparities Certificate
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
2019
Skills & Awards
Languages
English (Native), Spanish (Native) Bilingual & Bicultural
Skills
Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace (G Suite), R, Python, SQL, Tableau, SAS, Stata, SPSS, NVivo, MAXQDA, Dedoose, & Atlas. TI
Awards
Kharen Fulton Diversity Graduate Award, Laney Graduate School Centennial Scholar, UCLA Advisor of the Month
Publications
Ko, M., Cruz, A. L., & Cummings, J. R. (2020). Social Injustice and the Healthcare System. R. S. Shim, & S. Y. Vinson (Eds.), Social (In)Justice and Mental Health (1 ed., pp. 125-141). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
Linton, S., Cruz, A. L., & Arnold, K. (2023). Public service providers' perspectives on and responses to the health and social consequences of gentrification in Atlanta, Georgia. Journal of social service research, 49(4), 494–509.
Long Story, Short
Established relationships with stakeholders from corporate, educational, governmental, health, and activism sectors as well as community members from gentrification "hot spots" determined by Geographic Information System (GIS)…
Long Story, Short
Developed and executed a mixed methods research evaluation of the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program to measure its impact on student, staff, and organizational outcomes based on…