Smita Bhoopatiraju

Smita Bhoopatiraju has a diverse range of work experience. In 2015, they conducted research on child development and linguistics at the University of Minnesota, focusing on foreign-language learning in children. Smita also worked as a researcher at the university's Sera Lab during this time. In 2018, they volunteered with Global Medical and Dental Brigades, assisting doctors in providing healthcare to underserved communities.

In 2018, Smita joined the University of Mississippi Medical Center as a research intern in the Miguel-Hidalgo Lab. Their work involved investigating morphological changes in myelin proteins in the cerebral cortices of rats after chronic stress-related alterations in glial cells. Smita delivered an oral and poster presentation on their findings.

From 2018 to 2021, Smita was involved in various roles at Cornell University. Smita conducted thesis work, worked as a resident advisor, served as a teaching assistant, and worked as an undergraduate researcher. Their research at Cornell University focused on topics such as teaching foreign word learning to children and investigating stress-related glial alterations in the cerebral cortex.

In 2019, Smita worked as a summer student at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. In 2020, they interned at the Silver Spring Medical Clinic at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, gaining experience in medical clinic operations.

In 2021, Smita joined the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute as a research assistant. Their responsibilities included supporting ongoing research projects.

Currently, Smita holds multiple roles at Teachers College, Columbia University. As a graduate research assistant in Dr. George Bonanno's Loss, Trauma, and Emotion Lab, they are involved in the Family Flexibility study, which focuses on exploring emotional flexibility and regulation mechanisms in children. Smita also holds the position of graduate research assistant at the Teachers College Resilience Center for Veterans and Families, where they support the development and provision of psychological services within the veteran community. In addition, they are working towards a graduate degree in clinical psychology.

Lastly, in 2022, Smita became a volunteer crisis counselor at The Trevor Project and a tutor at Tutor.com.

Smita Bhoopatiraju started their education at the University of Minnesota from 2011 to 2016, where they pursued a Mathematics degree with a focus on UMTYMP. Following this, from 2013 to 2017, they attended Wayzata High School, though the specific field of study is not mentioned. Smita then went on to Cornell University from 2017 to 2021, majoring in Psychology. Currently, they are pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, which began in 2022 and is expected to conclude in 2024.