Title: Irene Lafarga Previdi: Bridging Science and Community Engagement in Puerto Rico
In 2018, Irene Lafarga Previdi, Ph.D., embarked on her dream role as the community engagement coordinator at the University of Puerto Rico’s Center for Collaborative Research in Health Disparities (CCRHD). As a social psychologist, Lafarga Previdi delves into the factors impacting community health and wellbeing, making her a natural fit for the position.
During her academic journey at the University of Puerto Rico, Lafarga Previdi’s involvement in adult literacy programs and community surveys in Guatemala shaped her path towards community-focused research. Her dual role as a postdoctoral trainee with the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT) allows her to both learn and lead, supported by her mentor, Carmen Milagros Velez Vega, Ph.D.
The aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017 highlighted the resilience and challenges faced by Puerto Ricans, spurring Lafarga Previdi’s research on how mothers and pregnant women coped with the natural disasters. The study revealed the impact on pregnancy, access to basic services, and heightened awareness of environmental exposures.
The collaborative efforts between CCRHD and community organizations during the pandemic showcased the power of community support networks in mitigating health disparities. Lafarga Previdi’s dedication to fostering trust and rapport with communities through regular meetings has been instrumental in the success of these initiatives.
As Lafarga Previdi and Velez Vega analyze data from their COVID-19 study, they aim to draw comparisons with their hurricane research, highlighting the evolving coping strategies and social support dynamics during crises. The observations have inspired Lafarga Previdi to explore innovative approaches to meeting social needs during public health emergencies.
In her role as the community engagement coordinator, Lafarga Previdi serves as a vital link between researchers and the public, emphasizing the importance of translating complex research findings into accessible information for community members. By incorporating community engagement throughout the research process, she aims to enhance the impact and relevance of scientific studies in addressing health disparities.
Irene Lafarga Previdi’s dedication to community engagement and her commitment to bridging the gap between science and society serve as a model for collaborative research with tangible impacts on public health. As she continues her work in Puerto Rico, she remains focused on empowering communities, fostering resilience, and driving positive change through research and community partnerships.
