Community-Engaged Research, Built Together

Our work is grounded in meaningful community partnerships and a commitment to building research with communities. We collaborate closely with local and national partners to ensure that our science reflects lived experience and drives real-world impact. This includes partnerships with COLCH, where we study how neighborhood conditions shape adolescent health and mother well-being, and Dignity Grows, where we are co-developing the Period Poverty Experience Scale through community-engaged research practices. We strive for mutual learning with community and research that represents the voices and priorities of the community.

Current Projects

One of our core initiatives is Building Ties with Healthy Moms, a collaboration with Comite Organizador de City Heights (COLCH). This partnership evaluates a wellness program designed by COLCH for mothers of adolescents in their community. The program takes a holistic approach to health, supporting mental health, social support, nutrition, and physical well-being, while strengthening social connection and resilience among families.

We also partner with Dignity Grows to develop the Period Poverty Experience Scale, using community-engaged research practices to ensure the measure reflects lived experiences and can be used to inform policy, programs, and advocacy efforts nationwide.

In addition, our work includes multiple projects focused on understanding the psychosocial influences of alcohol use among adolescents, examining how family, peer, and neighborhood contexts shape risk and resilience. Together, these studies aim to inform prevention strategies that are culturally responsive, equity-centered, and grounded in community priorities.

Past Research and Impact