Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo

Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo serves as an Associate Professor in Kinesiology and Community Health, Nutritional Sciences, the Center for the Study of Global Gender Equity, and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Illinois. She is also an Affiliate at the Center for Social & Behavioral Science. With over 87 research publications spanning from 2013 to 2025, Dr. Lara-Cinisomo has established herself as a leading researcher in perinatal mental health, particularly focusing on Latina and Mexican-descent women.

Dr. Lara-Cinisomo's research primarily centers on perinatal depression and anxiety among Latina women, examining cultural, social, and biological factors that influence mental health outcomes. Her work explores how cultural values, immigration status, and pandemic-related stressors impact maternal mental health. She has conducted extensive research on culturally responsive interventions, healthcare disparities, and the development of mental health services tailored to Spanish-speaking and Latina populations. Her recent work has increasingly focused on the intersection of mental health with food security, pandemic resilience, and culturally sensitive care approaches.

Her research portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on health equity, with numerous publications addressing racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care. Dr. Lara-Cinisomo has published extensively in high-impact journals including Archives of Women's Mental Health, Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, and Women's Health Issues. Her work has been widely disseminated, with many publications receiving significant attention in news media and social platforms.

• MONA Medal for Service (2021) - Recognizing her contributions to mental health care, particularly for Spanish-speaking populations in North America

Dr. Lara-Cinisomo has been actively involved in research examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations, particularly Black and Latina women. Her work has been featured in multiple media outlets, including coverage of her research on pandemic-related stressors affecting Latinos. She has served as Principal Investigator on numerous studies exploring mental health interventions, cultural factors in depression, and healthcare access barriers. Her collaborative approach is evident in her extensive co-authorship network spanning multiple institutions and disciplines.

Dr. Lara-Cinisomo's research has practical implications for clinical practice, policy development, and healthcare training. Her recent book "An Integrated Approach to Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Spanish-Speaking and Latina Women" (2025) represents a comprehensive resource for understanding and addressing mental health challenges in this population. Through her work with the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and the Center for the Study of Global Gender Equity, she continues to advance research on health disparities and culturally competent care.