overview

• 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 healthsuch 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.