Research: In general terms, my research program has focused on four main areas: (1) the study of the attitude-behavior relation, (2) the application of basic social psychological theory to the understanding of health-related behaviors, (3) the impact of acculturation on mental health and health decision-making, and (4) the development of innovative quantitative methods and tools. In particular, my work has concentrated on how health intervention methods and content can be better informed by basic social psychology research. I have examined this issue using a variety of methods (e.g., meta-analysis, correlational and experimental studies, daily diary techniques) and focusing on a number of topics (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, HIV risk, cardiovascular health). Additionally, I have served as a secondary data analyst for a number of intervention projects.

Quantitative Background: In addition to a Ph.D. in social psychology, I also have a certificate in quantitative methods. This certification was administered by the UConn psychology department. Consequently, my quantitative expertise not only includes univariate and multivariate statistics, but also causal modeling, longitudinal data analysis, logistic and hierarchical linear modeling, latent class analysis, and meta-analysis.

Grants: As a graduate student I received a National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award (NRSA) and a National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Award. These awards allowed me to conduct a daily diary study examining how the dynamic process of acculturation impacts health decision-making for Latinos.

Service: Service activities are a vital part of our contribution to university life, the professional field, and the public sector. To that end, I have served on the APA Science Student Council, the APA Membership Board, and the editorial board of the Journal of Social Issues. Currently I am a member of the Society of Behavioral Medicine Membership Council.