CURRENT PROJECTS
Health-related Projects
Preventing Diabetes in Young Adults
The prevalence of diabetes in the US is increasing, while the average age of diagnosis is decreasing. Moreover, ethnic minorities have the highest incidence rates. We are actively investigating the impact of various behavioral, psychological, and sociocultural factors on diabetes risk in minority young adults in America with hopes of changing this story.
Females in Academic Environments
Female presence in academia today cannot be ignored, but neither can the challenges that accompany said presence. This research explores identity development, workload and well-being, and lived experiences of female faculty, staff, and students in the academic setting from various lenses (e.g., leader and leadership-interested, early career, student-moms, and existing in male-dominated programs and environments.
Other Projects
Teaching From the Middle
Students in higher education come from different backgrounds with diverse lived experiences and prior knowledge. We aim to explore the framework of teaching from the middle where instructors honor what students bring to the learning environment, keep previously learned information alive, and establish connections to the experiences that follow.
PAST PROJECTS
Health Psychology in Havana Cuba, March 2020
The Spanish and African influences that merge to create Cuban culture, along with the social and geographical climate, have meaningful health implications. Via a Study Abroad excursion we engaged in an enriching exploration of the health and wellness of the Republic of Cuba.
Acculturation and Sexual Health
Health research frequently treats people of similar races/ethnicity in the US as a homogeneous group, despite evidence that there are variations within the population. We are exploring subgroup differences in associations between various elements of acculturation and sexual health behaviors among native and immigrant populations in the US.
PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT
COVID-19 & Sexual Health
The current health pandemic, and its associated social regulations, has significant implications for decision making surrounding intimate behaviors.
Marijuana Use and Health Motivations
As recreational marijuana consumption increases in the US, the need to better understand its impact on various aspects of health is a top health concern.