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 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 in Opposite-Gender and Same-Gender Couples (PI)
- Community Action for Resilience through Engagement (CARE): Environmental Stress and Health Outcomes among Residents of Camden, NJ (co-PI)
Lab Members
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 2nd 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 McMurrayis a 2nd 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.
Hannah Pollilo is a senior health sciences major with a minor in psychology and childhood studies. Following her bachelor’s degree, she plans on obtaining her master’s in public health with a focus in epidemiology, as well as become a certified medical dosimetrist. She has a huge passion for helping the communities around her receive the care and resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. She plans on applying her future research towards helping communities receive more funding and resources for whatever they may need to flourish!
Mumin A. Rabgie is a 1st year student in the Psychological Science master’s program. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, along with a minor in Sociology & Communications, from the University of Illinois Chicago in December 2023 at 19. Aspiring to become a clinical psychologist, Mumin’s research interests are centered on understanding and treating mental health conditions. He aims to develop the knowledge and skills essential for a future doctoral program by working in Dr. August’s lab.
Samantha Vega is a 1st year PhD student in the Prevention Science program. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health and her MPH in Environmental Health Science from UC Berkeley. Samantha is interested in psychosocial health factors, climate change related anxiety, increased heat stress and health outcomes in Southern New Jersey and how to effectively tailor diabetes interventions for Spanish speaking communities. In her free time, Samantha enjoys reading, traveling and karaoke.
Emily Williams is a fourth year undergraduate Psychology major, planning to pursue a master’s in sociology after graduating. She is particularly interested in examining how different forms of social support and relationships contribute to mental and physical health outcomes among sexual and gender-minoritized communities. In the Spring of 2024 she took part in the Rutgers Global study abroad program, and spent the semester studying at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Outside of university, she enjoys traveling, listening to live music, and spending time with family and friends.
