About Us
This website is managed by UCLA's Supporting Mothers Project, a qualitative research project exploring the needs of first and second-generation Latina mothers who just gave birth to their first child. Our group is almost entirely LA-born, bilingual researchers who work, volunteer, and/or study at UCLA's Department of Anthropology. This project is funded by the Chicano Studies Department, the Institute of American Cultures, and the Bedari Kindness Institute.
Current Team
Delaney Knorr, Ph.D.
Primary Investigator
I am a Biological Anthropologist interested in the intersections of community, family, and reproductive health from both cultural and evolutionary perspectives. I was born and raised in LA. I aspire to continue with community-involved research as well as pursuing a career in science and education.
Monica Gonzalez
Research Assistant
I was born and raised in Santa Ana, CA. I am a proud daughter of immigrants and the first in my family to attend college. I graduated from UCLA, majoring in Biology with a minor in Global Health. I enjoy working and serving my community in any way that I can. I keep myself busy by working and volunteering in healthcare. I intend to apply to medical school to become an OB/GYN.
Wuendy Gonzalez
Research Assistant
I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Biology from UCLA! I am proudly born and raised in South Central Los Angeles and I am the daughter of two Mexican immigrants. Working on the Supporting Latina Mothers Project is personal work since I grew up in an under-resourced community and understand the impact that resources can have on individuals, families, and communities. Before applying to medical school, I plan on taking some gap years working in community health centers in South Central to learn more about the needs of my community! I hope to become a culturally competent doctor who understands and values the experiences and needs of our community and provides quality healthcare for all.
Andrea Roman
Research Assistant
I am a first-generation Latina who was born and raised in Los Angeles. I currently attend UCLA as an undergraduate Anthropology and Physiological Science student. My goal is to influence the accessibility of health and educational resources to the public through various mediums— some being through this website and student club workshops. Within Physical Anthropology and Physiological Science, I want to study forensics (either in graduate school or medical school) as a way to expand decomposition research. Through this, I want to aid families and communities who have lost loved ones on the Mexican and USA border.
Former Team Members
Brianna Anderson
Research Assistant
UCLA grad majoring in Physiology. My research interest is investigating the hormonal and physiological changes that occur between a mother and her developing fetus during pregnancy. My plans once graduating include taking two gap years to pursue my other interests before beginning medical school. I want to become an OB/GYN that can work closely with women of color, to educate, empower, and restore their trust in medical settings.
Gladys Bello
Research Assistant
I am a first-generation Latina from East Angeles, CA. I am currently in my gap year working as a COVID-19 Investigator for the California Department of Public Health. I graduated from UCLA, where I studied Evolutionary Medicine and Anthropology. I aspire to become a physician-leader and advocate for underserved communities.
Lety Camacho
Research Assistant
I am a first generation college graduate from UCLA with a degree in Human Biology and Society and Chicanx and Central American Studies. My hometown is Rialto, CA. I am currently taking a gap year and gaining more experience in the public health sector. My long term goal is to obtain an MPH/MBA degree and work towards creating equity among all communities through health policy and administration. I hope you enjoy our website!
Arlene Francia
Research Assistant
I am a UCLA graduate with a major in Biology and minor and Public Health. Currently, I am working in a cardiology clinic for my gap year and eventually apply to get my masters in nursing. I hope to provide quality care to all my patients and fight health disparities that plague our communities.
Samantha Garcia
Research Assistant
I am from Compton, CA. I am a UCLA graduate who majored in Psychobiology. I am interested in women's reproductive health and wish to pursue a career relating to women's health.
Janelly Jimenez
Research Assistant
I am a premedical student from South Central, Los Angeles. I am a UCLA graduate with a major in Psychobiology and a minor in Chicana/Chicano studies. My goal is to become a physician leader and serve in my community. I am currently a fellow with TRAP (Trust, Research, Access, and Prevention) where our mission is to expand access to medical resources in South Central.
Bethany Ru
Research Assistant
A Biochemistry and Economics double major at UCLA, and currently pursuing a PhD in Pharmacology at the University of Oxford. My research interests are tau pathology and sleep disturbances in the progression and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. I plan into the field of pharmacology and geriatrics after I graduate.