Currently, my research falls under four major areas:
Racial Equity in Early Childhood:
I study the effects of structural racism on exposure to adverse childhood experiences using population-level, representative data in South Carolina. I define structural racism as racial residential segregation and lack of social integration. I am also studying what protective factors are effective for children of color after they experience trauma.
Public Opinion on Issues Affecting Children and Families:
I study public opinion and social norms around adverse childhood experiences, child maltreatment and parenting. I am focused on examining public opinions vary by demographic characteristics, and how differing public opinions affect social norms around government involvement and collective responsibility in these social issues. I also examine public conversations around ACEs on social media to understand the extent to which this research has reached public discourse.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Positive Childhood Experiences, & Resilience:
I study the effects of adverse childhood experiences on health outcomes in adulthood, using population level, representative data from South Carolina, and whether protective and nurturing relationships and environments mitigate the effects of these experiences. I am also leading a new effort to understand how adverse childhood experiences are associated with positive childhood experiences, and how the combination of these experiences can affect health outcomes in adulthood.
Health Policy Research
I examine the perspectives of current state legislators and child health practitioners in South Carolina to develop advocacy recommendations as well as understand feasible policy and programs options that support children and families and prevent exposure to adverse childhood experiences.