Broadly, my research focuses on maternal and child health and risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults, with most of my research centered on risky sexual health behaviors and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and prevention. I am currently conducting theory-based, mixed methods research to explore innovative approaches to improve rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea screening, including the use of self-collected samples. I have worked extensively with population-based secondary datasets to explore a variety of health behaviors among adolescents and young adults including oral health, condom use, contraceptive use, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, alcohol and drug use, and violence prevention. I have also utilized my previous clinical experience to explore the oral manifestations of STIs, the relationship between HPV and oral cancers, and HPV prevention programming for dental providers.
My work combines qualitative and quantitative approaches and is guided by health behavior and implementation science theories. The long-term goal of my work is to translate these research findings into innovative, evidence-informed, patient-centered interventions targeting young adults, healthcare providers and community settings.