Researchers

My program of research is aimed at refining etiological models of risky alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use in the adolescent to young adult years to reflect variations within and across race/ethnicity and gender. My work integrates developmental and health disparities perspectives to identify socioenvironmental and familial influences on progression through stages of substance use (e.g., initiation, problem use). The roles of trauma exposure, neighborhood conditions, religious involvement, discrimination, and parenting as well as genetic liability to substance use disorders figure prominently in my work.