Eating disorders can affect people at any stage of life and across all genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Maria Bazo Perez, a PhD candidate in Psychology specializing in Developmental Science at FIU, is on a mission to improve how we assess eating disorder measures. Originally from Spain and with a clinical background, her research explores how risk patterns differ between emerging adulthood and middle adulthood, especially in overlooked communities.

Her findings show that middle-aged women are also at high risk of developing eating disorder symptoms, challenging the common belief that women are most vulnerable during college when they are more susceptible to beauty standards and social media pressures.

“Most research has been done in young White women,” Maria says, “and when people think of an eating disorder, they typically think of young adolescent girls. “But eating disorders exist across the entire lifespan, across all sexes or genders, racioethnic groups, and socioeconomic status.”

Maria’s dedication has earned her the prestigious PEO International Peace Scholarship for international women two years in a row and three first-author publications. But as an international student, securing funding hasn’t been easy.

“I had to be super persistent, searching everywhere for opportunities since many major grants, like those from the NIH, require U.S. citizenship,” she says.

Driven by a desire to reduce the burden of eating disorders in underrepresented communities, Maria emphasizes the importance of reflecting on our privileges and using research to create real-world impact.

“We need to understand our privileges and see how we can help those who aren’t in the same position,” she reflects.

Her ultimate goal? To become an accomplished researcher who not only publishes in top journals but also makes a tangible difference in diverse communities.

“Graduate school can be intimidating, but trust me, I have been there, and if you believe you can make a change, you will. The journey will not only make you an expert in your field but also teach you many life skills beyond academia.”