Recent Select Publications and Presentations with Student Co-Authors
*Denotes student co-author.
Publications
August, K.J., Novak, J.R., Mason, M.B.,* & Markey, C.H. (in press). Diet-related undermining in older couples managing type 2 diabetes: Gender differences, reciprocity, and links to diet quality. Journal of Health Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053251363493
Franks, M.M., Mason, M.B.,* August, K.J., Sherlow, W., Harber, M.P., Riggin, R. & Richards, E.A. (in press). Women managing heart disease: Involvement of spouse and non-spouse care partners. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276251358184
Mason, M.B.,* Franks, M.M., Richards, E.A., & August, K.J. (in press). Individuals’ experiences of care partner involvement in heart disease management. Families, Systems, & Health.
Presentations
Vega, S.*, August, K.J., Fu, M., Qiu, Z., Weist, D., & Truchil, A., (2025, November). Examining the impact of heat stress on mental and physical health in southern New Jersey: A cross-sector analysis of health and climate resilience. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Public Health.
Franks, M., Mason, M.,* August, K.J, Harber, M., Riggin, K., Sherlow, W., & Richards, E. (June, 2025). Navigating heart disease: Care partner involvement in managing health behaviors among female patients. Poster presented at the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Auckland, NZ.
Rabgie, M.A.,* August, K.J., Fu, M.R., & Qiu, Z. (March, 2025). Positive and negative interpersonal experiences and mental health among Black and Latino adults. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, New York, NY.
August, K.J., McMurray, A.,* LaRue, A.,* Novak, J. & Roseman, I. (March, 2025). Romantic partners’ comments on unhealthy eating: Role of gender and sexual orientation. Poster presented at the at the annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, New York, NY.
Lab Members
Marzia Chidica is a 4th-year undergraduate student majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Her long-term goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career in general pediatrics. She is motivated by her passion for supporting children’s health and development and working closely with families.
Joseph Connors is a 4th-year undergraduate psychology student, funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, he aspires to earn both his master’s degree and PhD in prevention science. Joseph is a Marine Corps combat veteran who is extremely passionate about helping fellow veterans cope with injuries and illnesses.
Nicholaos G. Kokolis is a 1st-year master’s student in the Prevention Science graduate program. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Wellness Management with a minor in Psychology from Rowan University. He is interested in researching the fields of gerontology and heart disease. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing basketball.
Megan Mason is a 3rd-year PhD student in the Prevention Science graduate program. She graduated with her bachelor’s 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.
Bailey Robson is a 2nd-year student in the master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rowan University. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Comprehensive Science from Villanova University. After obtaining her master’s degree, she hopes to pursue a PhD in a psychology-related field. Bailey is interested in researching how intimate/platonic relationships influence health-related behaviors and quality of life. In her free time, she likes to play Minecraft and draw.
Samantha Vega is a 2nd-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.
