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Jenny Nguyen
Psychology

Mentor: Matthew Pearson

Project: Using Advanced Quantitative Methods to Identify Critical Predictors of Substance Use in New Mexico Youth to Inform Prevention


About Jenny Nguyen

This research investigates predictors of youth vaping and substance use outcomes in New Mexico using machine learning and latent profile analysis applied to the New Mexico Youth Opinions for Understanding Their Health (NM-YOUTH) dataset. The study examines factors associated with vaping prevalence, age of onset, and patterns of substance use among adolescents while identifying distinct subpopulations that may require different prevention or intervention approaches. By identifying key behavioral health and environmental predictors of substance use, this research aims to support the development of more targeted, evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies for youth.