Lorena Estrada

Lorena Estrada is an Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Community Development at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She holds a PhD and MPH from the University of Michigan and a BA from the University of Puerto Rico. Her work focuses on addressing health inequities through community-centered research.

Research Focus

Dr. Estrada investigates social determinants of health disparities, particularly in Latino and immigrant communities. Key areas include:

• Mental health impacts of climate change and natural disasters
• Community resilience strategies for marginalized populations
• Life-course development and behavioral health in adolescents
• Neighborhood environments as contexts for risk/protection

Her recent work emphasizes climate justice and participatory research methods.

Publication Trends

Her recent articles (2020-2024) reveal evolving priorities:

• Increased focus on climate change impacts on mental health in BIPOC communities
• Continued examination of health disparities in Latino populations during crises (e.g., COVID-19)
• Advanced statistical modeling of longitudinal mental health trajectories
• Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approaches in environmental justice

Community Engagement

Dr. Estrada leads projects like the Vieques initiative in Puerto Rico and Boston-area climate resilience studies, partnering directly with affected communities to co-develop solutions.