Professor, Family Studies-Human Development | Member of the Graduate Faculty
I am a family and developmental scientist who examines the intersections of identity, oppression, public policy, and health and well-being among sexual and gender minority populations. My research examines how sexual and gender minority youth, and Latinx SGM youth in particular, thrive and are resilient despite the oppressive barriers and challenges they encounter in society. To accomplish these goals, my research identifies malleable individual-level mechanisms e.g. coping, activism) and systems-level policies e.g. inclusive school policies) that reduce the impact of discrimination and contribute to optimal health, well-being, and educational outcomes.
Adolescent development; Gender identity and expression; Intersectionality; LGBTQA populations; Marginalization; Mental health; Mindfulness; Minority stress; Oppression and privilege; Positive youth development; Risk and protective processes; Self-compassion; Sexual orientation Prerequisite Courses: Students should have successfully completed a course on research methods and/or applied statistics Majors: Family Studies and Human Development, Psychology, Communications, Education, Public Health, Sociology, or related fields/disciplines