Dr. Engelman & Dr. Guzzardo

Faculty members:  Dr. Alina Engelman (Public Health) and Dr. Mariana Guzzardo (Human Development and Women’s Studies)

Related majors for this project: Health Sciences, Human Development, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Education

Project Title: Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Efforts of Community-based organizations (CBOs) serving older adults and people with disabilities in Puerto Rico

In the aftermath of Hurricane María, Puerto Ricans faced harrowing living conditions on the island, including a lack of electricity, running water, and appropriate refuge. A humanitarian crisis emerged with news reports highlighting the urgency in addressing the needs of people with disabilities and the elderly. We administered a survey over the phone with staff and leadership at CBOs (community-based and non-governmental organizations). The purpose of the study is to examine how these organizations supported the surrounding communities, and assess the capacity of these organizations to respond to the needs of the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with mental illness. We investigate CBOs’ preparedness activities and training prior to María, as well as the challenges they faced after the hurricane in addressing the needs of elders, people with disabilities and people with mental illness. 

Student-researcher requirements:

  • Work a minimum of 3-5 hours per week on your research project (CSR Scholar requirement)
  • Bilingual; must be fluent in Spanish and English
  • Be conscientious, pay attention to detail, be professional and submit timely and quality work

Expected project tasks and responsibilities that will enhance your research skills:

  • Administer survey over the phone (if interested)
  • Manage survey data
  • Collaborate on data analysis
  • Create a report of the findings
  • It is OK if you are not totally familiar with how a research project like this is conducted. You do not have to have previous research experience, as long as you are motivated to learn and have a good work ethic. You will gain research skills with our guidance and support while working with us. It is crucial that you be fluent in Spanish in order to work with the data.

Contact information:

alina.engelman@csueastbay.edu or mariana.guzzardo@csueastbay.edu

Office Phone: 

Mariana Guzzardo  510-885-4512; calls are forwarded to cell phone)

In your email, please include: 

  • A statement of interest including relevant experience or knowledge
  • A resume 
  • A written sample such as a student paper or a piece of creative writing
  • Name of two academic references 

General description of faculty expertise:

Alina Engelman –University of California, Berkeley, Dr.PH. (Public Health), Yale University, M.P.H. (Global Health), Brown University, B.A. She conducted qualitative and quantitative research on emergency preparedness communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing addressing state-level and CBO-level disparities.

Mariana T. Guzzardo - University of Connecticut (UConn), MA, PhD in Human Development and Family Studies, University of Puerto Rico, B.S. in Psychology, She conducted qualitative and quantitative research that considered how environmental resources (e.g., features in the home, community-based services) address the needs of older adults with disabilities.