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.
Lin’s prior research training includes work in the Social, Cultural, and Cognitive Approaches for Examining Risky and Addictive Behaviors (SCCAERAB) Lab under Dr. Jessica Perrotte at Texas State University and in the JUNTOS Lab under Dr. Elma Lorenzo-Blanco 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 is guided by her two co-mentors: Dr. Fiona Conway, Director of Adjunct Faculty Affairs, and Dr. Yessenia Castro, Associate Dean for Student Success. She expands her interests in substance use outcomes within different environments, including recovery support housing programs, alongside Dr. Conway’s expertise in recovery support services and digital health solutions. In addition, Lin collaborates with Dr. Castro’s expertise on psychometrics and smoking cessation in the Health Disparities Research Lab to evaluate sociocultural and substance use measures within specific populations and tobacco use.
Lin’s primary goal is to examine sociocultural factors impacting mental wellbeing and substance use to continue amplifying the voices and needs of marginalized populations by advancing culturally informed research, reducing negative stigmas surround mental health, providing accessible resources, and tailoring interventions. 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.
Professional Interests
Sociocultural factors, alcohol use, tobacco use, smoking cessation, mental wellbeing, health disparities, health equity, emerging adults, psychometrics, and prevention and intervention research