Focus
Community-based research partnerships, behavioral health, mixed-methods designs, qualitative research
Biography
Sofia Fernandez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida with a doctorate in social welfare. Her research is focused on improving HIV, mental health, and substance use care delivery through community-engaged and mixed-method approaches that involve priority populations in the research process. Fernandez has a strong background and training in examining contextual factors that impact health and well-being including cultural, social, economic, and community influences on health. Fernandez’s current work involves developing and adapting health interventions to improve mental health outcomes utilizing transdiagnostic approaches. In her previous roles, she has served as Program Evaluator for Florida Department of Health’s grant initiatives, and she has served as a street outreach advocate for two social service agencies in Florida that serve families experiencing homelessness with immediate and respite services. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work.
Lab
Community-Based Research Institute
Education
- Florida International University, PhD Social Welfare 2017
- Florida State University, Masters in Social Work 2014
- Florida State University, Bachelors in Social Work 2013
Publications
Fernandez, S. B., Wagner, E. F., Hospital, M., Howard, M., & Morris, S. L. (2019). Social Media Based Strategies to Reach Hispanic Young Adults with Tailored Sexual Health Information. Social Work and Social Sciences Review. https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v21i1.1286
Fernandez, S. B., Howard, M., Hospital, M., Morris, S. L., & Wagner, E. F. (2018). Hispanic Students’ Perceptions About HIV/STI Testing and Prevention: A Mixed-Methods Study in a Hispanic-Serving University. Health Promotion Practice. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524839918801590
Fernandez, S. B., Wagner, E., Hospital, M., Morris, S., Howard, M., & Graziano, J. (2016) Direct and indirect Strategies for reducing alcohol use in emerging adult clinical and community samples: Social Media-Based Prevention for Reducing Alcohol Use Problems among Emerging Adults. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. Volume 40, Supplement: S1. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13084