Associate Professor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Heritage Hall 460G

Research and Teaching Interests: Mental Health, Gender, Social Psychology, Social Networks

Office Hours: By appointment

Education:

• PhD, University of Minnesota, Sociology with a Feminist Studies Minor
• MA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA Tech), Sociology
• BA, University of Virginia, Sociology

My research seeks to understand the social determinants of mental health and illness. Drawing from a variety of theoretical perspectives (e.g., Stress Process, Social Structure and Personality), I focus on four key determinants: social network structure, perceptions of social relationships, stress exposure, and the self-concept. I am also particularly interested in explaining gender differences in internalizing (e.g., depression and anxiety) and externalizing (e.g., alcohol abuse and use) symptoms as well as understanding the contexts whereby gender gaps in mental health outcomes shrink or grow larger.