Cross-Cultural Forensic Psychology Lab
Our Mission
The Cross-Cultural Forensic Psychology Lab aims to advance evidence-based, equitable, and culturally responsive forensic mental health practices for the benefit of individuals with mental illness involved in the legal system, as well as to facilitate the work of legal and mental health professionals.
Our Research
As scientist-practitioners, we are particularly interested in applied research that directly informs and provides practical solutions to support practitioners’ and stakeholders’ needs.
We conduct research related to the application of psychology to legal systems. Areas of research include cross-cultural forensic assessment, treatment of justice-involved adults with severe mental illness, immigration evaluations, and development or adaptation of assessment instruments, among others.
The lab is led by Dr. Maria Aparcero-Suero, Assistant Professor in the Clinical Psychology program and the Director of Forensic Mental Health Services at SIUC. She is a bilingual (English & Spanish) licensed clinical and forensic psychologist. Dr. Aparcero-Suero completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Psychology concentration at Fordham University and a Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship at Patton State Hospital. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice & Criminology at East Tennessee State University.
Current Projects
Feigning Assessment: The Spanish M-FAST
This study examines the utility of the Spanish-language version of the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST), a screening tool designed to assess feigned psychiatric symptoms, within a forensic psychiatric inpatient setting. The study is conducted in collaboration with clinicians at Patton State Hospital. This study’s findings will provide critical information about the clinical utility of the tool for Spanish-speaking populations.
Competency Evaluations in Immigration Court Proceedings: The FIT-IC
This study evaluates the psychometric properties and clinical utility of the Fitness Interview Test–Immigration Court (FIT-IC; Aparcero-Suero, 2023) when used in immigration competency evaluations. By reviewing information from completed FIT-IC interviews and related evaluation reports, the project explores how individuals’ demographics and psychiatric symptoms relate to their performance on the measure. The study also analyzes feedback from practitioners who use the FIT-IC to better understand its strengths and identify areas for improvement. Findings from this project will provide critical information about the practical utility of the tool and help guide future refinements. Additionally, this project will advance understanding of competence evaluations in immigration court, an understudied topic in forensic psychology.
Needs Assessment Project
The needs assessment project aims to understand gaps in forensic mental health services in the Southern Illinois region by listening directly to those working in the system (i.e., key stakeholders). Prior research has documented limited access to mental health care in the area, but no studies to date have specifically examined forensic mental health needs. Through interviews with legal professionals (e.g., criminal defense attorneys and judges) and forensic mental health clinicians, this project aims to identify institutional, practical, and clinical barriers to the delivery of timely and effective forensic assessment and treatment. Findings from this study will inform future projects in the lab and guide the development of services at the SIU Forensic Mental Health Clinic (led by Dr. Aparcero-Suero), with the goals ofbetter serving the region and supporting local practitioners.
The Team
Our Values
Our lab is guided by a set of 7 core values that shape how we conduct research, collaborate, support trainees, and engage with the communities and systems we serve. These principles reflect our commitment to meaningful, ethical, and applied research in forensic psychology.
- Quality and Scientific Integrity
- Perseverance and Growth
- Solution-Oriented Research
- Broadbased Participation
- Transparency and Knowledge Sharing
- Person-Centered Approach
- Thoroughness and Thoughtfulness
Maria Aparcero-Suero, Ph.D
Assistant Professor in the Clinical Psychology program & Director of Forensic Mental Health Services at SIUC
Dr. Aparcero-Suero’s research examines the validity of psychological and forensic assessments and their application with culturally and linguistically diverse adults. She has published in the areas of violence and sex offender risk, feigning, cross-cultural assessment, immigration evaluations, and intellectual disability screening in correctional settings.
Nora Will
Doctoral Research Assistant
Nora is a doctoral student in the clinical psychology program focused on research at the intersection of law and clinical psychology. She is interested in understanding recidivism and reentry for those with serious mental illness, forensic assessment practices, and alternatives to incarceration. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and running.
Publications
Lab News
