People
Staff
Elizabeth Aranda, Ph.D.
Director
Elizabeth Aranda, Ph.D. is a Professor of Sociology at the University of South Florida. A native of Puerto Rico, she has dedicated herself to documenting the lived experience of migration and to share (im)migrants’ stories through her research and teaching. She is author of Emotional Bridges to Puerto Rico and co-author of Making a Life in Multiethnic Miami. Her research has appeared in various journals such as Social Problems, and Gender & Society, among others.
Liz ventura, mph, CPH
Research Associate
Liz Ventura is a dynamic public health professional whose career is underpinned by a rich blend of medical, anthropological, and epidemiological knowledge. As a bilingual immigrant with roots in Cuba, Liz brings a unique perspective to her work in public health, shaped by diverse cultural and educational experiences. At the University of South Florida, Liz pursued a bachelor's degree in Anthropology. She then furthered her education by obtaining a master's in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology at the same institution. Her commitment to public health is further evidenced by her certifications in Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, equipping her with the skills to analyze complex health data effectively. Her professional journey is marked by experience in grant writing and research, particularly in projects aimed at enhancing community health. Liz's work has often intersected with immigrant populations, where she has applied her skills in program development, data analysis, and bilingual communication to effectively serve these communities. Committed to addressing health disparities and promoting equitable health outcomes, Liz's work embodies her belief in the power of public health to create positive change, especially for marginalized and immigrant populations.
Emely Matos Pichardo, ma, pH.D. STUDENT
Research Assistant
Emely is a dedicated Ph.D. student in the Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Studies. She is passionate about unraveling the complexities of social inequality and healthcare. Her commitment to reflexive and actionable research stems from her hope that her work will contribute to the broader field of medical sociology by shedding further light on the complex interplay between social inequalities and healthcare outcomes, and by advancing evidence-based strategies for promoting reproductive justice and health equity.
Deborah Omontese, MA, MSc
Research Assistant
Deborah Omontese is a Ph.D. student in Sociology at the University of South Florida. Her research interests are in Medical Sociology, Migration, and Gender. She focuses on healthcare disparities and their effects on immigrant women in the United States. Deborah earned a master’s degree in Women and Gender Studies from the University of South Florida, where she also served as the Graduate Student Representative. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bayero University, Nigeria. Beyond academia, Deborah has over a decade of experience working with Organizations in Africa, where she has been key in organizing free healthcare initiatives for marginalized women, welfare programs for indigent children and several campaigns in promoting girl-child education. Since 2021, she has also been a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of South Florida, successfully leading several undergraduate courses.
