Research & Publications

I am a firm believer in the integration of research and clinical practice in the field of mental health. My academic and professional interests include mental health, health psychology, LGBTQ+ mental health, health disparities, stigma and barriers to care, mindfulness, performance psychology, and aviation psychology.

My research interests have developed through my academic and professional experience and continue to inform my understanding of mental health, wellbeing, and the experiences of diverse communities.

Selected Research Publications & Other Works

• Book Review: Sex Under the Influence: Understanding and Healing from Sexualized Drug Use

• Mindfulness and Healthy Coping with Sport Injury

• Stigma in the Appalachian HIV and Transgender Communities

• Book Review: Social Work Practice with the LGBTQ Community

Selected Conferences & Presentations

2020 European Conference on Mental Health
“Mindfulness Training in Aviation for Better Mental Health”

2019 Germany Rhineland Falling Walls Lab, University of Cologne
“Breaking the Wall of Stigma”

2019 British Psychological Society, Society of Sexualities Conference
“Stigma in Special Populations”

2019 Eastern Kentucky University LGBT Mental Health Conference
“Stigma in Special Appalachian Populations”

13th Annual Tennessee Tech Research Day, 2018
“Stigma as a Barrier to Care in the HIV+ & Transgender Communities”

8th Annual Rural HIV Research & Conference, Savannah, Georgia, USA
Poster & Paper Presentation: “Stigma as a Barrier to Care”

University of Tennessee College of Public Health – Health Conference
Paper & Poster Presentation: “Healthcare Stigma in Appalachia”

Research Interests

My academic research interests include:

• Performance and aviation psychology

• Mental health and health disparities

• LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing

• Health psychology

• Stigma and barriers to healthcare

• The experiences of people with an immigration background in Germany

• Mindfulness and mental health

Current Research Projects

My current research interests and projects include mental health in aviation and the use of mindfulness training to support mental health and psychological wellbeing.

How Research Informs My Practice

I believe that continuing education and engagement with psychological research are important parts of developing thoughtful and effective mental health practice. My research interests complement my clinical work and contribute to an ongoing understanding of mental health, relationships, identity, wellbeing, and the experiences of diverse communities.