Karen V. Becerra, MAPSS’25

A recent graduate of the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS), Karen V. Becerra AM’25 is now a Research Assistant at the UChicago Refugee Wellness Lab. 

“Community-based research has always been deeply important to me, and being in Chicago gave me the chance to work closely with the populations I care about while learning how to build healthy, reciprocal relationships between research and community work,” Becerra explains about her time in MAPSS. 

As a student, Becerra worked on a thesis titled “Listening to Historically Underrepresented Graduate Students: Examining How the Structure of a Higher Education Support Program Impacts Experiences, Outcomes, and Identity Narratives” which examined how institutional support programs influence the identity development of underrepresented and first-generation graduate students. 

Becerra also valued the “tremendous support” she got from her advisors Professors Natalie Dowling, Onnie Rogers, Aimee Hilado, and Dr. Lisa Rosen. “They were always encouraging and provided constructive feedback [...] Most importantly, they taught me that research requires care not only for the work itself but for the people we collaborate with, whose knowledge and experiences are invaluable,” says Becerra. 

Dowling was also Becerra’s preceptor (program mentor) throughout all of MAPSS. 

“It was inspiring to have a preceptor who cared as much as Dr. Dowling did not only about providing the best academic experience, but also about ensuring that students were building meaningful connections and maintaining their well-being throughout the program,” explains Becerra. 

Two courses that stood out to Becerra when looking back on her time in MAPSS were Grappling with Diversity in Psychological Science with Professor Rogers and Schooling and Identity with Dr. Rosen. Both greatly impacted how Becerra conducts and conceives of her research. 

Professor Rogers’s course “shaped my research approach and the kind of researcher I want to become, emphasizing that care and respect for the people we work with must always be central,” explains Becerra. Dr. Rosen’s course helped Becerra to realize “the importance of asking children directly about who they are and recognizing them as full individuals, which has profoundly influenced my approach to research on identity and education.” 

Becerra also emphasizes the importance of having a life outside of the classroom while in MAPSS. “My favorite part about living in Chicago was being close to neighborhoods that reminded me of home, like the vibrant grocery stores in Pilsen, which felt familiar and comforting a reminder of my community and a sense of safety. In the Hyde Park area, I especially loved the abundance of green spaces and the proximity to the lake. These spaces allowed me to take walks, maintain my well-being, and pause to breathe,” explains Becerra. 

In terms of advice to future MAPSS students, Becerra says, “Go to MAPSS events, talk with your classmates, visit office hours, and make time to enjoy the experience. Building connections and giving yourself space to breathe really makes a difference.”