Rice University: Rice’s Luz Garcini named to American Psychological Association’s board of directors

Luz Garcini , an assistant professor of psychological sciences at Rice University, has been named a member at large of the board of directors of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Photo of Luz Garcini
Luz Garcini
Garcini’s research, policy work and outreach focus on identifying, understanding and addressing the health needs of historically marginalized communities.

“I’m honored, humbled and excited,” Garcini said. “For more than 20 years, my work and leadership as a community clinical health psychologist, scientist-practitioner, epidemiologist and advocate have focused on fostering inclusivity and amplifying voices needing to be heard.”

Garcini seeks to improve health outcomes and access to health care by increasing inclusivity and diversity in science. On the APA board she plans to focus on three primary goals: accountability, excellence and inclusivity.

“I will work to ensure that APA is inclusive at multiple levels, including being acknowledging and respectful of individual differences, theoretical orientations, areas of expertise and developmental stages,” she said.

The APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 133,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members. Its mission is to promote the advancement, communication and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.

The APA board of directors , elected by the organization’s membership, is also the governing body of APA Services Inc., a 501(c)(6) companion organization focused on advocating for the profession of psychology.