PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Health Education and Promotion,
College of Health and Human Performance
East Carolina University
Cancer Prevention and Control
Area of Interest
The core of my research focuses on understanding and addressing the root causes of health inequities experienced by vulnerable populations. I examine disparities in chronic diseases between foreign-born and US-born individuals, with a particular focus on cancer control and prevention.
Specifically, I study ways in which socioecological determinants of health such as social network characteristics may inform cancer control intervention strategies. I use both qualitative and quantitative research methods in developing, implementing and evaluating a range of health issues.
My work has included studies of racial/ethnic disparities in little cigar use among adolescents; quality improvement interventions to promote maternal and child health services use in Ghana; evaluation of a patient navigator program to improve HPV vaccination among low-income, racial/ethnic minority, and immigrant serving clinics in Southern Texas; and an intervention to promote health literacy among migrant farmworker families in North Carolina.
