My research involves understanding and addressing health and healthcare disparities in the United States that affect individuals from low-income and racial/ethnic minority backgrounds. My research program includes applied research that lies at the intersection of cultural and contextual approaches and psychology of religion and spirituality. My previous research projects included randomized control trials, evidence-based practices, culturally-sensitive interventions, prevention for Latina/o youth and families, as well as substance use and mood disorders.
Currently, our lab is working on culturally enhancing a motivational interviewing intervention for Latinx adolescents. We are also working with a transdisciplinary team (VCU iCube) to identify priorities, use of services, and behaviors related to health and comorbidities among students in low-Income communities in the greater Virginia area. Additionally, we are collecting data for a qualitative study on early immigration, policy, and psychological wellbeing amongst first-generation immigrants.
