Geraldine

Mendez Gonzalez

Undergraduate School: University of Puerto Rico

Graduate School: Autonomous University of Barcelona (MA); Instituto Superior de Estudios Psicológicos en Barcelona,(MA), Ponce Health Sciences University (MS)

Doctoral Program: School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, PhD in Clinical Psychology

Interests & Career Goals: I am excited to become a well-rounded clinical bilingual psychologist with particular focus on pediatric neuropsychology. I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and families navigating chronic medical conditions, neurodevelopmental differences, and complex healthcare experiences through compassionate, culturally responsive, evidence-based care. I aspire to pursue a career as a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist within an academic medical setting. My goal is to build an academic career that integrates clinical practice, research, teaching, mentorship, and advocacy. I am especially passionate about conducting research that not only advances scientific knowledge but also informs clinical practice, shapes public policy, and promotes equitable access to healthcare. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to expanding bilingual neuropsychological services, advancing culturally responsive care, and training future psychologists dedicated to serving historically underserved communities.

Favorite Pastimes: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my rescue dog, Rudolf, enjoy practicing Pilates, reading and writing with cup of coffee, thrifting, discovering new music and traveling to new and know places that fill like home. I have always been fascinated by the ways the arts and travel shape our identities, relationships, and understanding of the world. I also cherish spending quality time with family and friends, love spending time at the beach whenever I'm near the coast and appreciate a good sunset.

Why Duke? I chose Duke because of its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, exceptional mentorship, and dedication to developing thoughtful, compassionate psychologists. The program's scientist-practitioner model and growth mindset philosophy closely align with my professional and personal values, as well as aspirations. During my interview experience, I was inspired by the warmth, humility, and genuine sense of community demonstrated by the faculty, supervisors and trainees, particularly having cohort on this last stage of our doctoral training. That sense of connection stayed with me and knew Duke would provide the ideal environment to continue growing as both a pediatric neuropsychologist, clinician and as a person.

Research Interests: My research focuses on the intersection of pediatric psychology, pediatric neuropsychology, and chronic medical conditions. I am particularly interested in executive functioning, cognitive outcomes, mental health, quality of life, and social determinants of health among children and adolescents living with chronic health conditions, particularly Celiac Disease and autoimmune diseases. My work incorporates both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and reflects my commitment to increasing representation of bilingual and Hispanic populations in psychological research.

More broadly, I am interested in understanding how biopsychosocial, gut-brain connection and cultural factors such as language influence child development and long-term health outcomes. I am passionate about conducting clinically meaningful research that not only advances scientific knowledge but also informs healthcare delivery, shapes public policy, and improves equitable access to care. I believe research has the greatest impact when it is collaborative, translational, and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.