About the Lazos Lab

Beyond research, Lazos Lab is a space for student learning, mentorship, and collaboration. We actively engage students in all aspects of our work—from research design to community partnerships and dissemination—fostering the next generation of scholars, practitioners, and advocates for mental health equity.

Our Lab Goals

  • To reduce disparities in access to mental health services and suicide prevention for adolescents.
  • To advance research that intervenes early in the suicide ideation continuum. 
  • To build sustainable, community-based, and innovative approaches (e.g., task-shifting) for suicide prevention
  • To mentor and train the next generation of culturally responsive, equity-driven researchers and clinicians.
  • To strengthen ties between Boston College and the communities the lab serves.

What Makes the Lazos Lab Special?

Culturally Grounded Mission

The lab’s focus on Hispanic adolescents and its use of the Spanish word “lazos” to frame its mission highlights a deep cultural sensitivity and commitment to equity. This culturally grounded approach sets the lab apart in the field of adolescent mental health and suicide.

Emphasis on Relational Ties

The lab’s conceptual foundation—strengthening connections between adolescents, families, and communities—is a unique framework that informs both research and practice.

Community-Engaged Methods

Expertise in Photovoice and innovative approaches, such as task-shifting, allows the lab to generate contextually relevant insights and empower participants as co-creators of knowledge.

Focus on Mental Health Equity and Suicide Prevention

The lab’s dual emphasis on mental health and suicide prevention—especially among inner city adolescents—addresses urgent public health needs.

Clinical and Research Integration

The PI brings years of clinical experience in youth crisis intervention into an innovative and rigorous research agenda.

Mentorship and Training

Strong emphasis on professional development and student mentorship across research, community partnerships, and dissemination practices fosters the development of future leaders in mental health and social work.

Collaborative Culture

The lab values respect, transparency, self-care, and collaboration as essential to meaningful research and community impact.

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