World@VCU highlights students from diverse backgrounds who enrich the Virginia Commonwealth University community. Meet Samantha Castro Teixeira, a Ph.D. candidate in psychology.
What should we know about your home country?
Brazil, home to Rio de Janeiro, is vibrant and full of life. Growing up there, I witnessed both the joyous celebrations and tough challenges people face. This sparked my interest in resilience and the power of psychological support to improve lives.
What inspired you to study at VCU?
Before VCU, I completed my master’s in clinical psychology in Brazil. After a decade as a clinical psychologist, focusing on chronic conditions, I wanted to research psychological interventions for chronic pain. VCU’s collaborative environment seemed perfect for this journey.
Tell us about a memorable experience in the U.S.
One standout moment was presenting my research at the United States Association for the Study of Pain conference. It felt incredible to meet researchers I admire and share my insights on alternative medicine for young adults with chronic pain.
Share a significant achievement.
Presenting at the USASP was a major milestone for me. It pushed me to refine my ideas and skills, and the recognition from experts confirmed that my work could impact patient care in chronic pain management.
What has surprised you about studying abroad?
The warmth and friendliness of people here, especially in the pain research community, has been a pleasant surprise. This supportive atmosphere has made learning and growing much easier.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love spending time with my husband and learning to crochet. Both activities allow me to relax, recharge, and return to my work with fresh energy.
What does your future look like?
I aim to develop a mindfulness-based intervention for pain management in patients with sickle cell disease—one that healthcare providers can use to enhance quality of life. Mentorship and teaching future researchers is equally important to me; I want to help others create meaningful, evidence-based interventions for chronic pain.
Any advice for new international students?
Build a supportive community. Programs like Bridges International and VCU’s Global Buddies are fantastic for connecting with others. Sharing experiences makes the challenges of being abroad easier and much more enjoyable.
As international student enrollment rises—up by 88% since 2020 according to a recent Open Doors Report—creating these networks is more important than ever. They provide not just support, but also opportunities for shared learning and understanding across cultures.
