RESEARCH
FLIRRT
FLorida Intimate Relationships Research TeamThis internally funded study aims to understand factors associated with partner selection and relationship satisfaction across early adulthood in a community-based sample. Additionally, this lab examines the effects of hormonal birth control on relationship functioning.
This lab conducts cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, recruiting couples from the St. Petersburg community and from undergraduate student populations at the University of South Florida. Validated instruments and observational methods are used to assess romantic partner preferences, relationship satisfaction, and conflict resolution.
GADD
Genetics of Antisocial Drug DependenceThis NIDA- and NIAAA-funded study aims to understand factors associated with the progression of adolescent-onset substance use disorder into adulthood in a high-risk mixed gender sample.
This multi-site longitudinal study follows a cohort of clinical probands and their siblings from adolescence into adulthood, with ongoing data collection in a fourth wave (current ages 35–40). Validated structured interviews were used across waves to assess alcohol and other substance use, antisocial behavior, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder.
YEAH
Young adult Education on Alcohol and HealthThis NIAAA-funded study aimed to develop and test a technology-based intervention to reduce alcohol and sexual risk in young women with a history of sexual victimization.
This multi-phase study focused on incorporating methods from user-centered design (e.g., double diamond, design thinking) into intervention development by working alongside the target population to gather feedback on the program’s content, design, and delivery. Currently, a large-scale randomized controlled trial is being conducted to compare the developed intervention to a control group in terms of alcohol and sexual risk outcomes over time.
HEY
Health Education for YouthThis NIMH-funded study aimed to understand how female adolescents navigate sexual situations and their barriers to safer sex behaviors to develop a technology-based intervention to reduce STI/HIV risk.
This study involves developing a sex-positive program for high school women by gathering feedback on its content and design. Participants complete a user feedback interview and a short survey that assesses alcohol use, mental health, and sexual experiences, while intervention materials focus on emotions, sexual communication, consent, boundaries, and sexual health.
SWAN
Substance use, Women's health And NationsThis internally funded pilot study aimed to understand the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of cannabis use in cisgender women.
This cross-sectional study recruited women aged 18 and older with lifetime cannabis use. Participants completed surveys assessing adverse childhood experiences, substance use patterns, physical health, prescription medication use, and measures of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, semi-structured interviews explored cannabis knowledge, reasons for use, barriers, and facilitators.
Participate in research
Couples can join the FLIRRT registry to hear about future studies.