Miami, Sept. 3, 2024 – Alessandro Santoro, a business administration student, and Dr. Trinidad Argüelles, senior associate professor of psychology at Miami Dade College’s (MDC) West Campus, have been recognized for their service and leadership by Psi Beta, a national honor society that recognizes academic excellence among students in the field of psychology at two-year colleges.
“This was all possible thanks to the support of all the people I have encountered along the way, including the amazing Dr. Trinidad Argüelles and her unwavering motivation to bring the best out of students, my team, and my family, and the great opportunities that this country and organizations such as Psi Beta provide. I am endlessly grateful for all of it,” Santoro said.
Santoro, 17, was awarded First Place for Leadership. At MDC, he served as president of the Psychology and Neuroscience Club and Vice President of Psi Beta’s West Campus Chapter. He is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and is gives back to the community in various ways, including weekly tutoring sessions to Ukrainian youth; volunteering at health fairs and summer camps; volunteering with United Home Care and the Silver Club, hosting Mental Health First Aid and QPR Suicide Gatekeeper trainings. With an impressive 300 hours of service completed, Santoro received the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award at MDC, as well as the Exceptional Leadership Award 2023-24 by Student Life and the First Place Leadership Award 2024 by Psi Beta. Born in Mexico, he was homeschooled before entering the dual enrollment program at MDC.
“Alessandro leads by example, and he never ceases to impress his mentors and peers. He is a dedicated student who tutors, supports and engages others. True leaders, such as him, are not only elected by their peers but also by faculty, staff, administrators and the community at large. He exemplifies the spirit of dedication, entrepreneurship and empathy rarely found in one person,” Dr. Argüelles said.
Dr. Argüelles, founding advisor of Psi Beta at West Campus, was awarded the Virginia Staudt Sexton Faculty Advisor Award 2024 by Psi Beta and Best Advisor by Student Life. Also, the Psychology Club at West Campus was awarded Best Organization of the Year 2023-24 by Student Life.
Dr. Argüelles is a proud MDC Endowed Teaching Chair, educator and adviser. She has also taught at Florida International University (FIU) and was a Senior Research Associate at the University of Miami, where she published and presented research on Neuropsychology, Human Factors and Aging. Her collaborative multi-disciplinary approach to exploring social issues related to aging have facilitated her participation in numerous projects at the Psychological Corporation, NIMH, NIOSH, the Veteran’s Administration, and institutions. Dr. Argüelles completed her dissertation at Nova Southeastern University on HIV and Aging, and a master’s degree in psychology at FIU. She also holds a certificate in Human Resource Management and a Certificate in Gerontological Studies. Currently, she is working toward a post-doctoral certification in Clinical Sciences and Aging at the University of South Florida.
About Psi Beta
Founded in 1982, Psi Beta Community College National Honor Society in Psychology, is a national honor society for students attending two-year colleges who plan to major or minor in psychology, as well as those who simply have an interest in psychology. Their mission is to encourage professional development and psychological literacy of students by promoting and recognizing excellence in scholarship, leadership, research, and community service. For more information visit https://psibeta.org/