| Office Location: | Soc/Psych 103 |
| Office Phone: | 919-660-5631 |
| Email Address: | |
| Web Page: |
Teaching (Spring 2024):
| Ph.D. | Duke University | 2013 |
| M.A. | Duke University | 2011 |
| B.A. | University of Notre Dame | 2000 |
I am interested in the study of adolescent peer relations. My research focuses on peer influences on risky behaviors in adolescence, how different peer relations (e.g., best friendships, cross-sex friendships, romantic relationships) affect adolescents’ involvement in such behaviors, and how this varies by gender. I am specifically interested in exploring how adolescents use online social networking profiles as a setting for identity exploration (including discussion of experimentation with risky behaviors), and how online profile content links to “real life” behavior. I am also involved in the implementation and evaluation of preventive intervention programs targeting adolescents’ engagement in risky behaviors. I am interested in how researchers can translate knowledge of psychological principles into effective prevention programs, and how this research can effectively be disseminated.