Lin Tran

Lin Tran, M.A, is a PhD student at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychological Research at Texas State University. While completing her undergraduate studies, Lin became highly involved advocating for first-generation college students. As the President of the First-Generation Low Income (FGLI) Partnership student organization at Texas State University, she nurtured a safe space focused on sharing resources and opportunities tackling mental wellbeing, food insecurity, financial difficulties, and career growth. Lin created and directed the first student organization awarded scholarship with the aim of alleviating some financial strain from incidental student expenses on FGLI students. Furthermore, Lin continued to support students through her other roles as a Peer Mentor assisting first-year college students with their transition to university life, Executive Board Officer for the Vietnamese Student Association emphasizing community within the Vietnamese student community on campus, and Support Group Coordinator advising first-generation students in the Psychology Association. Lin’s commitment to advocacy was recognized as one of the five recipients of The Sherri H. Benn Medal of Liberation.

Lin’s research training includes work in the Social, Cultural, and Cognitive Approaches for Examining Risky and Addictive Behaviors (SCCAERAB) Lab at Texas State University and in the JUNTOS Lab at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research focusing on emerging adults, sociocultural factors, and alcohol use has been recognized nationally with two National Institute on Drug Abuse Diversity Scholars Travel Awards at the National Hispanic Science Network Conference. In addition, Lin was invited to share her research findings focused on helicopter parenting, cultural values, and alcohol use in Asian Americans for a symposium at the Collaborative Perspectives on Addiction Conference.

As a UT Social Work PhD student, Lin advances her research on alcohol use by exploring digital health solutions and recovery support services to improve prevention outcomes. She is guided by her co-mentor, Dr. Fiona Conway, Co-Director of the Addiction Research Institute. In addition, Lin collaborates with her co-mentor, Dr. Yessenia Castro, to evaluate socio-cultural and alcohol use measures within specific populations, drawing on Dr. Castro’s expertise in psychometrics. With a background in psychological research and experience in working with marginalized populations, Lin’s primary goal is to examine sociocultural factors impacting mental wellbeing and alcohol use to continue amplifying the voices and needs of marginalized populations by advancing culturally informed research, resources, and policy. Ultimately, Lin hopes to gain teaching and research experience that will prepare her to educate and mentor future scientists, whether in academia or in applied research settings.