Rehabilitation Counseling

Emily Thais Boria-Figueroa

Researcher · Scholar · Advocate

Undergraduate researcher at the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce with a focus on rehabilitation counseling, participatory action research, and community-based initiatives. Passionate about mental health advocacy and supporting the Deaf community.

Puerto Rico
Emily Thais Boria-Figueroa
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Education

Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences

University of Puerto Rico in Ponce

Major: Social Sciences, Psychology, and Mental Health
Concentration: Rehabilitation Counseling

Expected May 2026 Honors Studies Program Member
Merit-Based Scholarship Recipient
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Skills & Abilities

Research Methods

Experienced in conducting semi-structured interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, archival research, literature reviews, and designing data collection instruments.

Data Analysis

Proficient in SPSS for statistical analysis. Skilled in creating annotated bibliographies and synthesizing research findings.

Communication

Strong oral and written communication skills in both Spanish and English, with experience in academic writing and editing.

Sign Language

Basic proficiency in Puerto Rican sign language. Active member and former President of Pro-Deaf University Students Association.

Teaching

Teaching Assistant and Fellow experience supporting student learning in research design, methodology, and data analysis.

Community Engagement

Experienced in participatory action research and community-based initiatives. Facilitator for student mentoring programs.

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Research & Teaching Experience

Summer 2025

UMD BSOS Summer Research Initiative

University of Maryland, College Park

Research Title: The Beckett Family and the Re-Signification of Widowhood Post-Emancipation

  • Conducted qualitative research under faculty guidance
  • Participated in professional development and graduate school preparation conferences
  • Presented a research poster at symposium
Spring 2025

Community Based Research

University of Puerto Rico-Ponce & UPR-Mayagüez

PAR Project: Arenas Community, Guánica, Puerto Rico — Mentor: Dr. Luisa Seijo

  • Conducted a Participatory Action Research (PAR) initiative
  • Utilized ethnographic participant observation
  • Collaboratively designed community resilience plan with residents
Spring 2025

Undergraduate Teaching Fellow

UPR Ponce, MIT & Diné College

Course: Design for Environmental Issues

  • Teacher Assistant for MIT course
  • Supported student learning and communication with faculty
Feb 2024 – Present

Research Assistant

Research Center for Social Development (CIDeS), UPR Ponce & Sea Grant Puerto Rico

Research Title: Ethnotaxonomy of Fishing Communities in Puerto Rico — PI: Miguel H. Del Pozo Santos

  • Data collection and research analysis
  • Conducted semi-structured interviews
  • Used SPSS for data analysis
Spring 2024

Independent Research

University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

University Students' Attitudes Towards the use of ADHD Medication

  • Constructed, validated, and administered research instruments
  • Presented at XVI Student Research Congress and 6th Symposium
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Research Gallery

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Publications & Presentations

Rodríguez-Aviles, E., Maldonado-Colón, A., García-Torres, T., García-Negrón, C., Boria-Figueroa, E., & López-Torres, E. (June 2025). Experiences About the Symposium "I Sign Up…Against Child Abuse"

HIGEA Student Magazine, 4(1), 52-53 Article

Boria-Figueroa, E. (July 2025). The Beckett Family and the Re-Signification of Widowhood Post-Emancipation

University of Maryland, College Park Poster

Boria-Figueroa, E., Calzada, A., & Martinez, J. (May 2025). Participatory Action Research Project (PAR): Arenas Community in Guánica, Puerto Rico

University of Puerto Rico at Ponce Oral

Boria-Figueroa, E., Irizarry, R., Santiago, L., & Sépúlveda-Santiago, M. (April 2025). Attitudes Toward the Use of Medication for ADHD to Improve Cognitive and Academic Performance

6th Symposium on Research, Creativity, and Community Service, Humacao Oral

Boria-Figueroa, E., Ríos-Quevedo, M., & Del Pozo, M. (May 2024). Ethnotaxonomy of Fishing Communities in Puerto Rico

XVI Student Research and Creation Congress, Ponce Oral

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Leadership & Service

Association of Students of the Honors Studies Program

President · May 2025 – Present

Active member since August 2023. Previously served as Senior Representative.

Pro-Deaf University Students Association

President · May 2024 – May 2025

Active member since August 2023. Previously served as Vocal.

General Student Council, UPR Ponce

Alternate Representative, UPR Board

Also served as Executive Secretary and Social Sciences Representative.

Psychology Students Association

Mental Health Coordinator · Aug 2024 – May 2025

Active member since August 2023.

Editorial Committee – HIGEA Student Magazine

Committee Member · Feb 2024 – Present

Provided academic writing seminars to the student community.

UPRP Mentoring Program

Peer Mentor · Aug 2023 – Present

Facilitated the transition of new students to university life.

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Certifications

SBE Comprehensive

CITI Program · Valid until May 2028

Responsible Conduct of Research

CITI Program · Valid until May 2028

Social and Behavioral Research Basic/Refresher

CITI Program · Valid until May 2028