Biography
I am a Full Professor in the Kent School of Social Work & Family Science (Kent School), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. My research is focused on understanding the complex factors that lead to healthy functioning among children, adolescents, families, communities, and systems. I have taught courses in the Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Master of Science in Couple & Family Therapy, and PhD in Social Work programs, such as Historical and Contemporary Abolitionism, Clinical Supervision, and Systemic Change. I am engaged in a number of service endeavors in the Kent School, university, and community related to improving the functioning of these systems.
Research Interests
I study the links between genomics, psychological strengths and vulnerabilities, interpersonal relationship dynamics, characterististics of larger systems (e.g., neighborhoods, schools, child welfare), and physical and emotional well-being among children, adolescents, and families. For example, my research has examined genomic and neighborhood influence (e.g., cohesion, disorganization) on behavioral difficulties among adolescents of African genetic ancestry living in high poverty neighborhoods. Methodologically, my program of research entails quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research, as well as both strictly researcher-conducted and community-engaged designs. Currently, I am collaborating with other researchers and community members to implement and examine solutions to poverty-related involvement in the child welfare system that have been developed by community members. I also am collaborating on a study examining community-researcher partnerships to carry out community-engaged research in HIV care coordination clinics.
Degrees and Certifications
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2005-2011