Bio

As a researcher in the field of Technology & Health, my research interest lies in the design and implementation of technology-framed health care solutions to improve human life and well-being. I have conducted research projects with a diverse range of populations, including older adults, children, adolescents, and underrepresented communities. My multi-disciplinary academic and professional background enables me to approach technology from a human-centered perspective, ensuring that the solutions I design are tailored to meet the unique needs of the individuals and communities I work with.

Professional Education

  • Ph.D., University of Bristol, Technology and Society (2021)
  • M.Sc., University of Bristol, Learning, Technology and Society (2015)
  • M.A., University of San Francisco, Educational Leadership (Minor in Digital Media) (2015)
  • B.Eng., Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana, Telecommunications Systems (2005)

Stanford Advisors

Contact

  • Academic
    University - Scholar Department: School of Medicine Position: Postdoctoral Scholar

Additional Info

  • Mail Code: 5151

Current Research and Scholarly Interests

Postdoctoral researcher at Stanford Medicine, Stanford Aging and Ethnogeriatrics Research Center (SAGE):
* Conducting a pilot research to study impact of social immersive virtual reality on older
adults’ health.

*Conducted scoping review to identify barriers and facilitators of Latinx older adults
participation in clinical trials.

* Worked on exploring older adults’ use of technology during COVID-19 pandemic.


Research at other institutions:
*Experience conducing research projects using traditional research methods (surveys, observations, interviews, videorecording, diaries) and innovative research methods (360° video, virtual reality, time-lapse photography, artifacts, creative methods).

*Experience using participatory, ethnographic, multimodal, and design-based research methodologies.

*Conducted an academic-industry research partnership with the BBC Micro:bit Foundation.

*Participated in diverse interdisciplinary international research initiatives (UK, Germany, Brazil) to explore, analyze, and discuss tech implementations related to algorithm’s power and bias, ethics and technology, responsible AI.

*Designed and implemented a technological learning space for children, adolescents and older adults to learn together.

All Publications

  • Can virtual reality travel help nursing home patients fulfill their bucket list? Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Rodriguez, D. K., Periyakoil, V. S. 2023

    View details for DOI 10.1111/jgs.18392

    View details for PubMedID 37171553

  • Factors affecting the recruitment of Hispanic/Latinx American older adults in clinical trials in the United States: A scoping review. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Rodriguez, D. K., Hewage, S. A., Periyakoil, V. S. 2023

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: Participation of Hispanic/Latinx American older adults (HLAOA) in clinical trials is fundamental to health equity in aging research. However, information on strategies for the successful recruitment of this population in clinical trials is limited.DESIGN: This scoping review aims to identify hindering and facilitating factors that impact the recruitment of HLAOA in clinical trials in the United States.METHODS: Two databases (PubMed, EMBASE) were searched for original research articles from inception until March 2022 reporting on factors that engaged HLAoa (≥65) in clinical trials. One thousand and thirteen studies were scrutinized to identify 31 eligible articles.RESULTS: Most articles were from cancer clinical trials (14 studies). Hindering factors that impacted the recruitment of HLAoa in clinical trials were related to (i) study design and logistics challenges, (ii) challenges imposed by social determinants of health, (iii) communication barriers, and (iv) patients' mistrust, and (v) family issues. Facilitating factors include (i) effective modes of outreach, (ii) strategic clinical trial design, (iii) incorporating culturally-respectful approaches that are tailored to the participants' sociocultural background, and (iv) bridging language barriers.CONCLUSIONS: Successful recruitment of HLAOA into clinical trials requires identifying the study question, co-designing the trial design, implementation, and evaluation in respectful collaboration with the Hispanic/Latinx community with careful attention to their needs and minimizing the study burden on this vulnerable population. Factors identified here may guide researchers to better understand the needs of HLAOA and successfully recruit them into clinical trials, leading to more equitable research that increases their representation in clinical research.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/jgs.18264

    View details for PubMedID 37013348