Current Research Projects
Actively collecting data:
- Creating a Culture of Wellness for Bancroft Organization: Supporting Nutrition in Group Homes through Policy, Systems and Environmental Changes (co-PI)
- Care Partners and Heart Health Study (co-PI)
- Family Members as Coaches for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (PI)
- Funding from: Multidisciplinary Grants Programs of the Provost’s Fund for Research; New Jersey Health Foundation; Community Design for Health and Wellness
- Cultural adaptation for Hispanic/Latinx populations in progress (funding from the Rutgers University, Camden Chancellor’s Grant for Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Vice Chancellor’s Multidisciplinary Grants Program)
Additional projects
- Understanding Romantic Partners’ Communication about Healthy Eating (PI)
- Providers and Mental and Behavioral Health (co-PI)
- Community Action for Resilience through Engagement (CARE): Environmental Stress and Health Outcomes among Residents of Camden, NJ (co-PI)
- Interpersonal Processes and Health among Heterosexual and Same-Sex Couples (co-PI)
- Snack, Chill & Chat: Improving Nutrition, Social Interaction and Stress Reduction among Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) (co-I)
Lab Members
Michaela Graham is an undergraduate Health Science major with a Psychology minor. After graduation, she plans to further her degree in the field of sports medicine, in hopes of going to school for Physical Therapy. Michaela is very excited to be a part of Dr. August’s lab to obtain more hands-on experience and gain a better understanding of mental and physical well-being/health. Michaela is also part of the Rutgers Camden Women’s Soccer Team and Biology Club.
Alexandra LaRue is a 3rd year undergraduate psychology and childhood studies student. She is interested in social determinants of health in adolescent youth with neurological and psychiatric disabilities. After she graduates and earns a graduate degree, she would like to work in pediatric health science research.
Megan Mason is a 1st year PhD student in the Prevention Science graduate program. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rowan University and her master’s degree in Psychological Science from Rutgers-Camden. Megan is interested in researching the relationships between psychosocial factors and adjustment to chronic health conditions. In her free time, Megan enjoys spending time with family, watching movies with her twin sister, and walking her dogs.
Allison McMurray is a first year student in the Psychological Science master’s program. Allison graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and Psychology from the Ohio State University. Allison is interested in healthcare and mental healthcare engagement and outcomes for gender and sexual minority communities, and intends to pursue therapeutic accreditation after graduating.
Justine Faye N. Quitola is an undergraduate Health Sciences major with a pre-medical concentration, hoping to enter medical school upon graduation. Justine is the recipient of the Fall 2023 Raptor Rising Star Award. She successfully completed her Rutgers Summer Service Internship (RSSI) at Making Worlds Cooperative Bookstore & Social Center as a social media intern. She is also involved in various student organizations, including The Association for Computing Machinery, RUC Chemistry Club, the Student Governing Association, and the Bonner Civic Scholars.
Macey Vidas is an undergraduate Health Science and Psychology dual major. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school in Clinical Health Psychology. Macey hopes to receive hands-on experience to better understand health disparities and biopsychosocial factors associated with health. She hopes to apply the knowledge and skills she learns in Dr. August’s lab throughout her future career path studying and producing further research that promotes and improves positive mental and physical health and overall well-being.
Emily Williams is an undergraduate Psychology major. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s in psychology. Emily is excited to be a part of Dr. August’s lab and gain experience in a research setting as well as valuable mentorship opportunities. Emily is particularly interested in the effects of chronic illness on mental well-being and quality of life and how social factors impact these effects. She is passionate about volunteering at a summer camp for kids with chronic illnesses, which she has done for the past two summers.
Feiyu Xie is a 2nd year student in the the Psychological Science master’s program. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Ohio State University. He hopes to gain valuable research experience and skills in r. August’s lab. Upon the completion of his master’s program, he aims to apply for a Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology and eventually pursue a career in clinical research. In his spare time, he enjoys doing sports fencing, hanging out with friends, and playing video games.
