People
Principal Investigator
Lab Members
Postdoctoral Researcher
Talita Cestonaro, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Research
I am a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). My research focuses on maternal and child health, with an emphasis on the social and environmental determinants of health and health disparities. I have conducted research in Brazil and am currently working with Dr. Kyle Wiley to examine how social and environmental stressors influence maternal biological outcomes along the U.S.–Mexico border.
Graduate Student Research Assistants
Yazmine Curtis
Hello, my name is Yazmine Vianey Curtis, and I am set to complete my last semester of my master’s in public health in December of 2026. My research interests are in substance use, stereotyped populations, and healthcare access. With this degree I plan to apply for the Health Informatics Specialist, or Public Health Analyst position for the State of Texas. I also plan to seek a PhD in Health Informatics at UTHealth Houston. I currently am a research assistant for Dr. Kyle Wileys’ lab while I also work as a barista at Synaxis Coffee. I like to decompress by powerlifting at the gym, coffee-hopping, and trying out new spots and different roasts from around the border region and globe.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Elise Rodriguez
My name is Elise Rodriguez. I am currently a senior pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biological Sciences. My research interests include stress, biomarkers, and socioeconomic and immigration-related disparities in Latino populations. I am currently interested in pursuing law school after graduation. Outside of research, I enjoy video games, fitness, dancing, visiting new cafes and trying different matcha.
Fateema Khalfi
My name is Fateema Khalfi, and I am currently a junior majoring in Biomedical Sciences. My research interests include maternal health, environmental health, and understanding how social and environmental factors contribute to health disparities, particularly in the El Paso community. Through my involvement in the lab, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how research can help improve health outcomes for underserved populations. After graduation, I plan to attend dental school, with a particular interest in specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Outside of academics and research, I enjoy doing nails, trying new coffee shops, and trying new hobbies.
Omar Albaghdadi
Anabel Celis
Jasmine Jerry
Cassandra Martinez
Postbac Research Assistants
Julia Cardoso Lopes — Postbac Undergrad RA, 2025–
Hello! I am Julia Cardoso Lopes. I earned my B.S. in Neuroscience with a concentration in Psychology from UTEP and am an incoming Doctor of Physical Therapy student in the Class of 2030. My research interests include the role of sociocultural factors in health outcomes and rehabilitation, with a goal of promoting culturally responsive and equitable care for underserved communities in the border region. Outside of the lab, I enjoy scrapbooking, collecting vinyl records, hiking, and going to Pilates classes!