Research Team: Katherine Canas, MA

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Katherine is a fourth-year clinical psychology doctoral student at William James College, concentrating in forensic psychology and Latinx mental health. She holds an MA in Forensic Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from Kean University.

Katherine’s research is rooted in trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches to commercial sexual exploitation and systemic advocacy. Under the mentorship of Dr. Paola Contreras, Director of the Hub, her dissertation titled “The Impact of Sex Tourism on Sex Trafficking in Medellín, Colombia: The Perspective of Victim-Centered Providers” explores how sex tourism perpetuates trafficking networks. The study aims to illuminate the structural barriers faced by survivors, amplify provider-informed insights, and contribute to policy-level solutions that are culturally responsive and grounded in the lived experiences of survivors.

As a proud first-generation Colombian American, Katherine is deeply committed to elevating the voices of marginalized communities and promoting justice and healing through clinical work and applied research. After earning her doctorate, she intends to serve as an immigration forensic evaluator, join the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and continue building research initiatives that advocate for policy reform and culturally competent care.

Alongside her academic work, Katherine provides outpatient therapy to children and adolescents in private practice and is currently training in a state hospital. She will soon begin a new placement in a psychodynamic group practice in the Greater Boston Area. In her free time, she enjoys cooking Colombian dishes, traveling, playing soccer, and spending time with her loved ones.