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My program of research centers on adolescent and young adult health promotion, with a particular focus on preventing opioid and other substance use through innovative, youth-centered interventions such as social media–based strategies. I am currently working on three research projects (all at different stages: data analysis stage, the dissemination stage, and proposal development phase) of which I would like the student involved in all three for a positive learning experience and meaningful contribution to the development on knowledge around this area.
The first study which is now in the dissemination phase, was conducted to gain a better understanding of the environmental and social contexts to first use of opioids. Focus groups were conducted with participants between the ages of 18-21 who were in recovery (worked in Collaboration with the Hansen Foundation and their recovery houses in NJ). Qualitative data were collected and analyzed, and I would like the student to help in the dissemination phase, providing the student with the opportunity to publish as part of the research team as well as providing the student with the opportunity to publish a literature review a first author.
The second study which is now in the data analysis phase, was conducted as a result of the findings from the first study. Themes participants in Study 1 were around:" Wishing they had information at a younger age to prevent use." Therefore, this Study 2 focused on adolescents between the ages of 15-17 to get a better understanding of their knowledge and behaviors around opioid use and identifying how to approach prevention in this population. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected, and I would like the student to help in the analysis of the data, providing the student with the opportunity to learn these methods of analysis. Subsequently providing the student with the opportunity to publish as part of the research team.
Lastly, an NIH research proposal is currently being developed to submit as an R16 to NIDA, which is an extension of the above-mentioned two studies. This proposed research will develop and test a youth-driven, social media–based intervention to prevent opioid misuse among adolescents. By engaging teens as co-designers and delivering prevention content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, the study addresses the urgent need for authentic and scalable digital prevention strategies. The findings will strengthen prevention science and contribute to reducing opioid-related harm and overdose among young people. As a natural fit, engaging the student in the above studies (Study 1 and 2) will position her for the continuation of this work through this potential NIH funded grant. Submission for this R16 will be at the end of the month (September 29, 2025).
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