Stephanie Melissa Esquivel
McNair Scholar 2025
- Major(s): Health Sciences (Pre-med)
- Classification: Senior
- Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2026
- Career Aspirations: After earning my bachelor's degree, I plan to continue my education by applying to medical school or a postbaccalaureate program. I also intend to gain more clinical experience by working in hospital settings and participating in community service, all to help me grow into a confident and capable medical student.
“The most valuable part of the McNair experience was conducting research in a supportive environment surrounded by like-minded peers and mentors who believed in me. I was able to grow both academically and personally alongside other scholars and build close friendships.”
“Health Disparities in the U.S. Hispanic Community: Structural Barriers and the Role of Culturally Competent Care”
Faculty Mentor: Dr. George Pacheco
Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the United States, yet they continue to face persistent healthcare disparities rooted in structural and cultural barriers. This review examines how acculturative stress, chronic stress tied to adapting to a new cultural environment, shapes physical and mental health outcomes in Hispanic Communities. It highlights allostatic load and cultural competency, examining how risk and protective factors, such as the immigrant paradox, shape health outcomes. It also considers protective factors, such as family networks, community support, and the immigrant paradox, that can buffer these negative effects. By synthesizing existing research, this review underscores the importance of culturally competent care and systemic reforms to reduce health disparities and promote equity in Hispanic populations.