Collaborative Research Projects

Our lab is also involved in several collaborative projects, including examining risk factors and processes for disordered eating and exercise behaviors, as well as relationship functioning among high-risk or specialized populations.

Health & Stigma among Sexual Minority Women Study

  • Principal Investigator: Alison Cerezo, Ph.D. (University of California, Santa Barbara)
  • Co-Investigators: Kristin Heron, Ph.D. (ODU) & Laurie Drabble, Ph.D. (San Jose State University)
  • Funding Source: National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA; R21AA029513)

The purpose of this study is to understand how stress is connected to drinking and substance use among sexual minority women (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer women). Participants will:

  • Complete an online survey about their background and life experiences
  • Complete 7 days of an online diary to report on experiences of stress and substance use

Data collection for this study began in Summer 2023.

HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Access and Use among Black Women in the Southern U.S.

  • Principal Investigator: Sylvia Shangani, Ph.D. (Boston University)
  • Co-Investigator: Kristin Heron, Ph.D. (ODU)
  • Graduate Student Collaborators: Kayla Pitchford, Kelly Romano, & Charlotte Dawson
  • Funding Source: ODU School of Community and Environmental Health Internal Research Proposal Fund Award

The purpose of this mixed methods study is to identify multi-level determinants of access to, and use of, PrEP for HIV preventions among Black women in the Southern U.S. This study used both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.

  • Black women living across the Southern U.S. completed an online survey through Qualtrics, assessing barriers and facilitators to PrEP access, including assessing constructs within the PrEP cascade
  • PrEP prescribers and healthcare workers working at community health clinics in the Hampton Roads area took part in in-depth interviews regarding their perceptions of barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake for Black women

Data collection for this study is complete and data analysis is ongoing.

Prenatal Health Behaviors and Hydration Survey

  • Principal Investigator: Danielle Symons Downs, Ph.D. (Penn State University)
  • Site Principal Investigator: Kristin Heron, Ph.D. (ODU)
  • Co-Investigators: Cassidy Sandoval (ODU), Abigail Pauley (Penn State)

The purpose of this study is to assess a variety of health behaviors (including eating, body image, substance use, sleep, pain, physical health, and hydration) in pregnant women. Data collection is occurring across the U.S., with recruitment sites at OBGYN offices in the Hampton Roads area. Pregnant women in this study will:

  • Complete a brief online survey about their health during pregnancy
  • Any pregnant women ages 18-45 (regardless of stage of pregnancy) are eligible to participate

Data collection for this study is ongoing. Anyone interested in participating in this study should email HealthyMomZoneStudy@gmail.com for more information.

Project Relate 

  • Principal Investigator: Robin Lewis, Ph.D. 
  • Co-Investigators: Kristin Heron, Ph.D., Abby Braitman, Ph.D., Cathy Lau-Barraco, Ph.D., Barbara Winstead, Ph.D., & Michelle Kelley, Ph.D. 
  • Funding Source: National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA; R15 AA020424)

This study examined how alcohol use is associated with relationship factors, sexual minority stress, and negative affect in young adult female same-sex couples. Using up to 14 days of online daily diary surveys, we are examining how person-level factors and daily interactions contribute to drinking and other health behaviors, including eating behaviors, among female same-sex couples.

Data collection for this study is complete and data analysis is ongoing.