Racial, ethnic, and cultural influences on youth development and family functioning; Racial socialization processes, racial identity development; Prevention of youth problem behavior and promotion of resilience; Culturally relevant and evidenced-based approaches to parenting; Intervention development and community dissemination in diverse cultural contexts
My lab leverages novel methodologies and modern tools (i.e. Ecological Momentary Assessment via smartphone, text message analysis, social media) to better understand the ways in which young people’s social contexts and relationships impact their mental health and risk taking behaviors. We focus closely on the role of parents and the cultural environments within which families are embedded.
My work focuses on the importance of family background for education, specifically among immigrant children; educational technology; and health insurance.
Development of cardiometabolic risk across the lifespan
Jennifer aims to conduct interdisciplinary, community-engaged research that supports helping professionals working with trauma; focusing trauma-informed intervention and support to the helping professional and improve client outcomes.
Examines the factors that increase risk of engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury or suicidal behaviors. Explores aspects of counseling that are effective in decreasing or preventing NSSI.
My work focuses on teaching and teacher education, community engagement, and language, literacy and culture, particularly with minoritized communities.
Racial socialization; racial discrimination; racial identity beliefs, academic motivation, psychological well-being; resilience; African American adolescents and emerging adults
My work on social inequalities looks at race and ethnic inequality and relations in k-12 and higher education educational polices (structural) and interactions