Faculty in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences are focused on health disparities and behaviors, including psychological stress experienced by different populations, chronic disease health disparities in minorities, socio-structural determinants of health behaviors, chronic disease prevention in underserved populations, homelessness, and the conditions which contribute to health and illness.
Recent Publications
Silvia M. Bigatti, PhD
Professor
Dr. Bigatti’s current research portfolio centers on health disparities. She examines the distinct psychological stress experienced by different populations and its negative physical and mental health outcomes.
Dr. Bigatti's ProfileA Comparison of Quality of Life Measures in Husbands of Women with Breast Cancer
Sean Grant, DPhil
Assistant Professor
Dr. Grant is an intervention researcher and methodologist who works across the behavioral, social, and health sciences. His methodological work primarily focuses on research synthesis methods, open science practices, and consensus development methods. His substantive work primarily focuses on behavioral health. Overall, his work aims to advance the credibility of intervention research and its utility for supporting evidence-based policy and practice.
Dr. Grant's ProfilePractical guidance for involving stakeholders in health research
Investing in evidence-based social and emotional learning
Sula Hood, PhD
Assistant Professor
Dr. Hood’s research has a strong emphasis on addressing chronic disease health disparities in ethnic minority and underserved populations. In particular, her research seeks to identify mechanisms and develop culturally appropriate approaches to increase social support and health communication as critical strategies for promoting chronic disease prevention, coping, and self-management.
Dr. Hood's ProfileGerardo Maupomé, PhD, MSc, BDS
Professor, Associate Dean of Research
Dr. Maupomé is an oral health researcher with primary interests in dental health services research and oral epidemiology; oral treatment needs among patients at high risk of disease or subject to health and social disparities; and analysis of how dental professionals make clinical decisions.
Dr. Maupomé's ProfileAssociation of added sugar intake and caries-related experiences among individuals of Mexican origin
Survival analysis of metal crowns versus restorations in primary mandibular molars
Lisa Staten, PhD
Associate Professor, Social and Behavioral Sciences Department Chair
Dr. Staten’s research focuses on chronic disease prevention in underserved populations using community-based participatory research methods.
Dr. Staten's ProfileInequitable Chronic Lead Exposure: A Dual Legacy of Social and Environmental Injustice
Tess D. Weathers, MPH
Research Associate
Tess Weathers has worked to enhance public understanding and evidence-based engagement on health disparities through both public scholarship and contribution to several collaborative research studies. In academic-community partnerships, she often serves as a bridge between scientists and non-scientists with the goal of educating and creating action for the public good. She applies her training in epidemiology to focus on the social conditions which contribute to health and illness.
Tess Weathers' ProfileWorlds Apart: Gaps in Life Expectancy in the Indianapolis Metro Area
Inequitable Chronic Lead Exposure: A Dual Legacy of Social and Environmental Injustice