SGM Health Behaviors Lab – Dr. Ehlke
The Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Health Behaviors Lab seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of SGM people. We examine factors (e.g., discrimination, stress, violence) related to substance use (e.g., nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis) and mental health outcomes. Our work aims to inform the refinement and development of digital interventions that are culturally tailored to SGM individuals.
Health Behavior Research Lab --Dr. Henson
Trained as a quantitative psychologist, Dr. Henson's primary applied research interests involved the antecedents and intervention of alcohol misuse among young adult populations. He also studies other risky health behaviors such as other drug use and risky sexual encounters.
The Alcohol Etoh Behaviors Lab – Dr. Braitman
The Alcohol Etiology Treatment & Other Health (ETOH) Behaviors lab examines ways to enhance the reach, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of existing college drinking interventions. We also explore harm reduction more broadly, including daily process examinations of drinking among college students (e.g., social and environmental factors), as well as other high-risk populations (e.g., noncollege emerging adults, sexual minority women, high-risk families).
Early Family Studies Lab -- Dr. Paulson
Research in the Early Family Studies Lab is broadly concerned with the developmental period of adults and children that starts with contemplation of parenthood and extends through the family's first decade of adaptation and change. Topics include perinatal psychology, early family development, parenting, fatherhood, and relationships. Our work spans basic research, applied developmental psychology, and clinical applications.
Youth and Family Development Lab -- Dr. Kelley
The Youth and Family Development Lab is directed by Dr. Michelle Kelley. The primary objective is to investigate childhood and family risk variables (e.g., childhood trauma, parental substance use, exposure to inter-parental violence), and life course experiences (e.g., military service, combat exposure) that contribute to mental health disorders, alcohol and drug use, and intimate partner violence. Our work aims to inform and test interventions aimed at preventing individual and family dysfunction.
ΩMΞGA Lab -- Dr. Padilla
The main purpose of the lab is to develop, explore, and apply quantitative methodology in the sciences. The adaptability of quantitative methodology allows the lab to operate on the intersection of many fields – psychology, education, sociology, program evaluation, medicine, and many others. This is reflected in the diverse applied projects, interests, and specialization of lab members, which make for a unique and vibrant environment for conducting research.
Physical Activity Promotion Lab -- Dr. Yarish
The lab focuses on implementing physical activity promotion interventions, measuring physical activity, and social connectedness in relation to physical activity.
CYNERGI Research Collaborative – Dr. Danyel Smith
The CommunitY-ENgaged Research to REduce CanceR health disparities across GeneratIons (CYNERGI) lab uses interdisciplinary, community-engaged approaches to design behavioral interventions that address interrelated biological, psychological, and social mechanisms associated with obesity-related cancer risk and survivorship. Our research aims to leverage family and community networks to implement evidence-based interventions for cancer prevention and control.
HaBiT Lab – Dr. Kristin Heron
The research conducted in the Health, Behavior, & Technology (HaBiT) Lab tries to understand states and experiences (for example: mood, symptoms, behaviors) in people’s everyday lives. We use this information to inform theory, enhance understanding of behavior and disease processes, and improve interventions, often including mobile technologies, such as smartphones, tablets, or wearable sensors. The studies we conduct often have a health equity focus, where we aim to understand factors that contribute to the health and well-being of minority-identified individuals, including sexual minorities and racial/ethnic minorities.