My research translates foundational epidemiological and clinical science into a form that helps laypeople make adaptive health decisions. The interventions that result from this work are designed to maximize the potential for future dissemination and implementation. One branch of my research explores the rich variety of cognitive, emotional and socio-contextual factors that shape when, whether, and how people understand and use risk information effectively when making health decisions. A second branch applies lessons-learned from foundational studies to develop traditional, eHealth, and mHealth communication and behavioral interventions that aim to increase engagement in health protective behaviors and reduce engagement in health damaging behaviors. I have a particularly strong interest developing, implementing, and disseminating interventions that meet the communication and information needs of marginalized populations, including people of color and those with limited education, health literacy, and numeracy.

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I have mentored individuals from a variety of scientific disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, anthropology, communication science, psychology, and behavioral science. I have also mentored individuals with varying levels of expertise (i.e., undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, PhD, pre-med, postdocs, and medical residents and fellows). I do my best to meet each individual's unique needs and ensure that they receive the experience and training that will allow them to meet their career goals.