Current Ongoing Research Project

This page shows only the current ongoing research projects. If you want to see previous research projects and outcomes, please visit my profiles on Google Scholar or PubMed.

Investigation of the Relationship between Social Media Use and Tdap/Influenza Vaccine Uptake Among Pregnant Women in Indiana (AgSEED — Agricultural Research and Extension Leading to Economic Development in Indiana Agriculture and Rural Communities Grants, Purdue University), PI. Project Period: 1/1/25 – 5/15/26: This study aims to identify how the use and trust in various information sources, particularly social media, relate to vaccine uptake among pregnant women in rural Indiana—a state with notably low vaccination rates. Using a cross-sectional design, we will conduct an online survey in partnership with Tippecanoe WIC and Purdue’s North Central Nursing Clinics (NCNC). The survey will assess the frequency of use and trust in different information sources, including healthcare providers, Internet search engines, and social media, as well as engagement with both negative and positive vaccine-related content on social media. 

Currently recruiting undergraduate students for this project. 

Analyzing the Relationship between Information Sources on Parental Attitudes Towards HPV Vaccination in Rural and Urban Areas (Team Development Pilot Grants: Health Equity, Purdue University), PI. By Sep 1 2026: This project aims to determine the differences in the frequency of multiple information sources as a source of HPV vaccine information among parents with children aged 9-14 in rural vs. urban areas of the US using an online survey. The project also aims to identify the degree to which parents with children aged 9-14 trust information about the HPV vaccine from each source and determine the relationship between the use and trust of various information sources and parental attitudes (including vaccine hesitancy) and behaviors (including vaccine uptake). 

The Role of Social Media in COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Uptake in Rural Indiana (2023 Trailblazer Award, Indiana CTSI), PI. 10/1/2023 – 9/30/2025: This project aims to 1) identify the use of social media as a source of COVID-19 and influenza vaccine information among rural residents in Indiana, 2) characterize the amount of trust individuals place in these sources, and 3) investigate the relationship between social media use for obtaining vaccine-related information and COVID-19 and influenza vaccine hesitancy or uptake. This cross-sectional study will be conducted in partnership with Purdue’s North Central Nursing Clinics.

Currently recruiting undergraduate students for this project. 

HPV Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy in Rural Indiana (Health Equity Initiative (HEI) seed funding, Purdue University), PI: This project focuses on understanding the associated factors on HPV vaccine uptake and hesitancy in rural Indiana. 

Social Media use and Vaccine uptake among college students in the US and Korea, PI: This project aims to understand the most frequent and trustful channel to obtain vaccine-related information among young adults in the US and Korea. 

Analysis of HPV Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake in Online Discussions, multi-PI with Dr. Min Sook Park: This project collects people's discussions regarding HPV vaccination, which will include both Reddit users' posts and associated responses in subreddit communities that focus on the HPV vaccine. 

Needs Assessment for Latent Tuberculosis Management among the Haitian Migrant population: This project explores the self-management needs of individuals with latent tuberculosis within Haitian migrant population in Indiana. It is a qualitative study aimed at understanding their requirements for developing a mobile application that assists them in tracking their medication and improving adherence. 

Currently recruiting undergraduate students for this project, with a preference for those bilingual in Haitian Creole.

Developing Family Resilience and Wellness Intervention for promoting health and well-being of the local Haitian immigrant community in Daviess County, IN, Co-I (2024 Trailblazer Award, Indiana CTSI, PI: Dr. Nasreen Lalani)

Currently recruiting undergraduate students for this project.