Assistant Professor Violeta J. Rodriguez has been selected to receive the American Psychological Foundation's (APF) Springfield Grant. This recognition highlights Dr. Rodriguez's impactful work exploring parenting experiences and health in LGBTQIA+ families from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Supported by APF funding and with collaborator Dr. Qimin Liu at Boston University, Dr. Rodriguez's research will focus on understanding how parenting influences mental and physical well-being in both parents and children within LGBTQIA+ families. By examining these dynamics in a longitudinal, data-driven study, the project aims to uncover patterns that address health disparities and provide crucial support for marginalized communities.

"This funding provides an invaluable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the unique parenting experiences within LGBTQIA+ families, particularly those from diverse backgrounds," Dr. Rodriguez shared. "It will enable us to develop innovative, data-driven approaches to address health disparities alongside my Co-Investigator, Dr. Qimin Liu, which is pivotal in advancing both of our careers as researchers dedicated to supporting marginalized communities."

The Springfield Research Fund Grant supports research on contemporary LGBTQIA+ issues to dispel stereotypes and other negative information that leads to prejudice and discrimination.