Efren Velazquez, Ph.D.

Efren Velazquez

Associate Professor of Psychological Science

Phone678-717-2264

Office locationStrickland Academic, 218, Gainesville

Area(s) of Expertise: Health psychology and Cross-cultural psychology

Overview

Dr. Velazquez's primary research interests focus on how cultural values and parental practices are associated with sexual behavior among Latinx adolescents and emerging adults.  He is also interested in examining different factors (i.e., personal immigration status, parental immigration status, college prep, mentorship) that influence Latinx college student success. Dr. Velazquez has won various awards since starting at UNG, including the 2021 Diversity Champion Award, the 2021 Ann Matthews Purdy Outstanding UNG Full-Time Faculty Member of the Year Award, and was a 2023 Georgia FirstGen Under 40 Pioneer Honoree.

Courses Taught

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Human Growth & Development
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Social Psychology Lab
  • Cross-cultural Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Studies in Diversity Issues

Education

  • Ph.D., Health Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2018
  • M.S., General Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014
  • B.A., Psychology, Boise State University 2012

Curriculum Vitae