Andia Ruiz Payne Narcis, MS

Andia Ruiz Payne-Narcis is an aspiring clinical psychologist whose work integrates research, therapy, and technology to address mental health disparities in Black and Brown communities. Andia's academic foundation includes designing and conducting independent research studies, assisting with NASA's leadership project, and coding qualitative data on astronaut team roles at the Institute for Simulation and Training. She also explored psychological constructs such as personality, self-critical rumination, and the need for closure in close relationships. As a teaching and research assistant during her undergraduate years, Andia cultivated skills that would later fuel her passion for advancing mental health care. After graduation, Andia worked as a psychological assistant at a neuropsychology clinic, focusing on clients of color. There, she observed how therapy could transform lives and developed expertise in writing psychological assessment reports, bridging academic knowledge with practical application. Her leadership in making these reports more accessible helped reduce psychoeducational stigma and empowered clients to engage confidently in their mental health journeys. Andia's master's studies deepened her understanding of the medical model, emotional regulation, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) while highlighting the transformative potential of digital tools in therapy. She has since honed her wireframe design and app flow skills, creating low-fidelity prototypes to enhance user engagement and therapeutic adherence. Her project, SundayDrive, presented with Figma and PowerPoint, exemplifies her dedication to blending technology with clinical health psychology. Andia Ruiz Payne-Narcis is a multidisciplinary professional committed to advancing mental health equity through research, clinical practice, and digital innovation. With a unique blend of clinical psychology knowledge and technological expertise, Andia envisions creating accessible mental health solutions for underserved communities. She is dedicated to fostering engagement through user-centered design and leveraging her skills to bridge gaps in mental health care.