Background and Training |
I received my Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the Pennsylvania State University in 2012, where I was mentored by Mark Greenberg in The Prevention Research Center. My dissertation, supported by an NRSA award from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (sponsors Greenberg and Collins), explored how combinations of behaviors related to parental knowledge of youth activities were linked to early adolescent substance use and delinquency.
My postdoctoral work, in collaboration with Susan McHale and David Almeida at Penn State, investigated how parent-child relationships influence youth physical health and the functioning of the neuroendocrine system. In this position, I received additional training on the analysis of daily diary data with biomarkers such as cortisol.
I have been involved with multiple intervention projects including the PROSPER project (a large scale effectiveness trial of substance use prevention programs and their diffusion into rural communities), the Work, Family, Health project (a randomized trial of a workplace intervention to promote the health of employees and their families), and the Strengthening Families program (a family-based substance use prevention program for early adolescents).
I also have direct practice experience working with youth and families in a treatment foster care program and applied policy experience conducting research on the child welfare system at the Chapin Hall Center for Children. I hold a dual Master's degree in Social Work and Public Policy from The University of Chicago.
My postdoctoral work, in collaboration with Susan McHale and David Almeida at Penn State, investigated how parent-child relationships influence youth physical health and the functioning of the neuroendocrine system. In this position, I received additional training on the analysis of daily diary data with biomarkers such as cortisol.
I have been involved with multiple intervention projects including the PROSPER project (a large scale effectiveness trial of substance use prevention programs and their diffusion into rural communities), the Work, Family, Health project (a randomized trial of a workplace intervention to promote the health of employees and their families), and the Strengthening Families program (a family-based substance use prevention program for early adolescents).
I also have direct practice experience working with youth and families in a treatment foster care program and applied policy experience conducting research on the child welfare system at the Chapin Hall Center for Children. I hold a dual Master's degree in Social Work and Public Policy from The University of Chicago.