Ana C
- Research Program Mentor

MS at Georgetown University

Expertise

Biology, Neuroscience, Epidemiology, Neuroepidemiology, Social and Behavioral Epidemiology, Developmental Psychology, Behavioral Psychology

Bio

My name is Ana Corra, and I have a Master's degree in Epidemiology from Georgetown University. I previously earned a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, which ignited my passion for all things related to the brain and cognition. I have a particular love for statistics, and during my time in the Epidemiology program, I thoroughly enjoyed engaging in biostatistical analysis—the highlight of my academic journey. My fascination with the brain and mood disorders stems from recognizing the critical importance of mental health in today's world. Having already graduated from my Master's program, I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the field of Neuropsychology. Tutoring has been a rewarding experience for almost a decade, and witnessing students reach their fullest potential brings me immense joy. Beyond academics, I volunteer as a Youth Leader and Children's Teacher at my church, fostering growth and learning among the younger members of the community. In my free time, I love exploring new eateries, embarking on exciting travels, immersing myself in music, visiting museums, and embarking on hiking adventures at various National Parks—I've already explored twelve of them! Life is a journey of continuous learning and discovery, and I am grateful for the opportunities to share knowledge, learn from others, and make meaningful connections along the way.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

How Temperament Plays a Role in Mood Disorders

Temperament has long since been viewed as having biological roots and being stable over the course of a life. Major depressive disorder and many other mood disorders has also been shown to have a biological component due to its cause being attributed to an imbalance of neurotransmitters in certain key areas of the brain. Since both temperament and mood disorders are linked to biology, it can be hypothesized that they may have some correlations.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders in Youth

Anxiety disorders are very prevalent in youth today, and they have their onset in childhood or early adulthood. Pediatric anxiety disorders can lead to adult psychopathology and are associated with poor functioning in several areas of life. Some of the of the most common anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Social Anxiety Disorder, or Social Phobia (SOP). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of such anxiety disorders and is one of the main treatment options recommended for mental disorders. The specific research question being investigated in this study would be the treatment efficacy of CBT in children and adolescents diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Executive Function in Children

This review project aims to examine the impact of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on executive function in children. Executive function encompasses cognitive processes such as attention, working memory, and impulse control, which play a crucial role in academic and socio-emotional development. The project will conduct a comprehensive literature review, analyzing existing research on MBIs implemented in educational settings or as intervention programs for children. By synthesizing findings from various studies, we will explore the collective evidence regarding the effects of mindfulness practices on enhancing executive function skills in children. The review will involve a systematic search and selection of relevant peer-reviewed studies, which will be critically appraised to assess their quality and validity. We will consider a range of outcomes related to executive function, including improvements in attentional control, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and planning abilities. The insights gained from this synthesis will contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential benefits of mindfulness practices for enhancing cognitive abilities in young learners and provide practical implications for educators and parents seeking effective strategies to support children's executive function development.

Coding skills

python, SAS, R

Languages I know

Portuguese, Spanish

Teaching experience

Over the course of over a decade, I have accumulated extensive tutoring and teaching experience across various age groups and subjects. As a tutor, I have helped students K-12 in a variety of subjects and with College Prep. I have been a Lead Math Tutor at a tutoring business, where I played a crucial role in guiding students towards academic success. I have also enjoyed working as an Afterschool Teacher, where I engaged elementary kids in fun science experiments, igniting their enthusiasm for the subject. During my time in Undergrad, I was actively involved in a peer mentor program, providing academic support and socialization assistance to students with developmental disabilities. Driven by a passion for inclusive education, I founded my neurodivergent-inclusive education company, offering innovative and engaging curriculum tailored to diverse learning needs. I have been actively involved as a Student Research Mentor with Polygence for approximately two years. Through this role, I have had the privilege of guiding and inspiring aspiring young researchers, helping them delve into fascinating academic projects and gain valuable research skills. Being part of Polygence has allowed me to foster a spirit of inquiry and curiosity among students, encouraging them to explore their passions and delve into topics they find intellectually stimulating. As a student research mentor, I have found immense joy in nurturing the next generation of scholars and encouraging them to pursue their academic interests with enthusiasm and dedication.