Dr. Miranda is an assistant professor in the Department's Division of Neuropsychology. She completed her MPH at the University of Southern California before going on her complete her PhD in clinical psychology with an emphasis in health psychology at Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology. Her career special interests include cross-cultural neuropsychology and epilepsy, particularly the mapping of cortical and language function in epilepsy patients.
Get to know Dr. Miranda on a more personal level as this issue's Meet the Faculty spotlight!
What are your hobbies? Salsa/bachata dancing, painting, eating, and hiking (so that I can eat some more!).
What is your favorite meal/dessert? I love food in general, but a favorite meal would be a warm bowl of ramen. It’s comforting.
What are one or two things you want to learn to do? I would like to learn how to play an instrument, perhaps the piano. They say that music is the voice of the soul.
What is one thing that can instantly make your day better? Cake. Hands down. I have a sweet tooth, and cake gives me life! You only live once.
What song always gets you out on the dance floor? Well, for me, a more appropriate question would be, which song does NOT make me want to dance? That is a shorter list. It is kind of a problem…
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I used to play ice hockey. I played in the club team when I was in college.
Name one thing on your bucket list. I want to travel to different countries with my parents. My parents were immigrants and were unable to get a passport until recently. I would love to have them see the world.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A physician. Medicine has always been an interest of mine. I thought, what could be nobler than saving lives? Later on, I discovered psychology and learned that you can save lives in a different way.
What is the best concert you’ve ever attended? I have not been to many concerts, but my favorite one has been Death Cab for Cutie. I always get choked up when they play “I will follow you into the dark.”
What is your favorite thing about your career? Serving the underserved. As a bicultural and bilingual provider, I enjoy connecting with patients through an appreciation of cultural factors. My heart belongs to underrepresented groups, but I have a soft spot for my Latino community. Having the ability to provide services in Spanish has been fulfilling beyond measure.