Mariana Garcia Torres

I was born in Bogota, Colombia and I came to the US for my bachelor in 2010 with a soccer scholarship.

Why did you choose DHD at UIC?
I am not really sure why. I did not really understand what I was getting into, but now I understand that it was the best decision of my life and the program fits my interests and my passion.

What do you want to do with a DHD degree?
I am currently in Colombia doing my dissertation, and Disability Studies does not exist here. However, I can see how I can translate and bring to my country the philosophy and the ideology of DHD. Here in Colombia, we are so behind in everything related to disability, and with this degree, I believe I can have a big impact in my country.

Research Interests
I develop programs for Latino families of people with ASD. I have developed a program for parents of preadolescents with ASD and I am testing it here in Colombia.