Dr. Valencia’s research centers on understanding the mechanisms underlying pain modulation and their influence on the development of musculoskeletal chronic pain. Her work bridges physiological and psychosocial perspectives to explore how individual, cultural, and environmental factors contribute to pain perception and recovery.She is particularly interested in the biopsychosocial model of chronic pain, examining how biological processes interact with psychological and social contexts to shape a person’s pain experience. Dr. Valencia’s current projects focus on the relationship between central pain mechanisms and sociocultural factors, with special attention to how culture, family support, and social connectedness may influence the transition from acute to chronic pain.Beyond her research, Dr. Valencia is deeply committed to advancing rehabilitation science education through high-impact practices that integrate research, service learning, and community engagement.