Education
B.A. Geography- Virginia Tech; May 2007 Concentration: Culture, Regions and International Development
B.S. Psychology- Virginia Tech; May 2007
Minor: Biology
Research Project Title and Description
An application of the Health Belief Model: community differences regarding mosquito-borne disease perceptions and attitudes in SW Virginia
The Health Belief Model is traditionally used in Psychology and Health Behavior fields to understand why individuals take part in behaviors that negatively impact their health. This model will be applied here to understand how characteristics of a place (income, education, etc.) impact how individuals view mosquito-borne diseases in SW Virginia. SW Virginia was chosen as a study site due to the recent increase of mosquito-borne diseases in the area.
Career and Academic Interests
Medical Geography- I am particularly interested in globalization and how it aids in transporting diseases around the world. I am also interested in disease emergence, and how environmental and social/cultural factors of an area allow a newly introduced disease to thrive.
I am also interested in development issues, particularly related to health, environmental sustainability and migration patterns, and also human impacts on the environment.
Research or Teaching Activities
Graduate Teaching Assistant- Introduction to Human Geography – Fall 2007
Advisor* and Committee
Korine Kolivras*
Larry Grossman
TBD
