Ongoing Research
Health Disparities in Cancer-related Risk Factors
How do disparities in modifiable health behaviors contribute to cancer?
Study flier distributed to local Houston churches
I am very interested in how disparities in physical inactivity and inadequate sleep contribute to obesity and diabetes as cancer-related risk factors. I am currently recruiting for the Sleep and Exercise Trial (SLEEP-E; NCT04236882) which is a mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative study) that seeks to culturally-adapt a CBT-I-based sleep intervention for African American adults living in Houston, Texas.
Seeking community feedback on intervention materials through the Community Scientists Program
My currently funded NIH K99/R00 Pathways to Independence Award aims to to understand social contextual factors related to sleep and obesity by using a multi-method approach, and to use the knowledge gained to adapt a sleep intervention for overweight, sedentary, and chronically sleep-deprived African American adults. The three aims of the grant are depicted below:
Culture and Cancer Survivorship Quality of Life
How does culture shape perceptions of disease and quality of life among cancer survivors?
Cancer survivors' quality of life is influenced by their cancer and cancer treatment, but also their cultural background. This area of research seeks to understand how stigma and perceived social constraints impact survivorship quality of life (e.g., PTSD symptoms, intrusive thoughts, and sleep).
Race and gender-based discrimination
How does discrimination contribute to health disparities?
Racial/ethnic minorities experience unique stressors due to prevailing attitudes and stereotypes in the mainstream society. In this area of research, I seek to understand the mechanisms by which racial and sexual harassment and discrimination affect health and health behaviors.
Culture, coping, and emotion regulation
How does culture influence coping and emotion regulation?
Culture shapes how we see the world and express ourselves. Racial/ethnic minorities in the US may endorse values, attitudes, and beliefs that differ from the mainstream American culture. Thus, the way they cope with stress and regulate emotions can differ. In this area of research, I seek to understand the processes by which culture impacts coping and emotion regulation to identify targets for culturally sensitive behavioral interventions.