My research generally involves clarifying how social and cultural factors influence both health behaviors and the efficacy of communication and policy efforts to promote these behaviors. The mixed-method, interdisciplinary approach I take draws from my training in health behavior, epidemiology, anthropology, and psychology. Furthermore, the transnational nature of my research reflects my commitment to illuminating and engaging with health issues at home and abroad.
Biographical Profile
College
Arnold School of Public Health
Department
Health Prom., Educ. & Behavior
Tenure Status
Tenured
International Activity
International Activities
Yes
Type of Activity
Research, Teaching, Service
Countries
Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Malaysia, Thailand, Canada, Australia, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, El Salvador
Institutional Focus Areas
Health Disparities, Behavioral Sciences, Social Sciences, Health Sciences
Extended Residence in Foreign Country
Yes
(Mexico)
Speaks Non-English Language
Yes
(Spanish)
Interest Background
Do you include students in your research?
Undergraduates and Graduates
Interest Keywords
social norms; health communication; social marketing; public health policy; tobacco; mass media; global norms; Latino populations; tobacco control; content analysis; product packaging; evaluation; measurement development; survey methodology;
Institutional Focus Areas
Health Disparities, Behavioral Sciences, Social Sciences, Health Sciences
Personal Focus Areas
Health Communication, Public Health Policy, Tobacco Prevention and Control
Professional Preparation(Education & Training)
Dates
Institution
Location
Degree
Field of Study
05/2005
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
PhD
Health Behavior and Health Education
05/2000
State University of New York, Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
MS
Epidemiology
05/1994
State University of New York, Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
MA
Cultural Anthropology
05/1990
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
BA
Psychology
Memberships & Professional Activities
Dates
Type
Description
Institution/Entity
Membership
American Public Health Association
Membership
Mexican Society of Public Health
Membership
Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco
Membership
Society for Medical Anthropology
Membership
Society for Applied Anthropology
Positions & Appointments
Dates
Description
Institution/Entity
1992 - 1994
Presidential Fellowship, Graduate School
State University of New York, Buffalo
1997 - 1998
Research Assistant, Center for Preventative Medicine
State University of New York, Buffalo
1998 - 1999
National Cancer Institute Training Fellow & Research Assistant
Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
1999 - 2000
Health Communication Fellow
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
2000 - 2005
Royster Society Doctoral Fellowship
The Graduate School, University of North Carolina
2001 - 2005
Research Policy Analyst I, Public Health Economics & Policy Research Program
Research Triangle Institute, International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
2001 - 2003
National Cancer Institute Pre-Doctoral Fellow
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina
2003
Researcher and Visiting Professor, Centro de Investigaciones en Salud Poblacional
Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
2005 - 2006
Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Institute for Health Research and Policy
University of Illinois, Chicago & Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
2007
Assistant Professor, Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
2013 - Present
Co-chair
Global Health Network for the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco
2001
Research Assistant, The Context of Adolescent Substance Abuse
Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina
2000
Associate Investigator
Hospital Infantil de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
2003
Fulbright Fellow, Institute of International Education
New York & Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
Recognition Awards, Honors, & Fellowships
Dates
Type
Description
Foundation/Entity
2016
Award
World No Tobacco Day Award
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO)
2020
Award
USC Educational Foundation Research Award for Health Sciences
University of South Carolina
The two sections below (Awards and Pending Proposals) are only viewable by PIs, business managers, chairs, and deans.