| EMAIL: |
| PERSONAL WEBSITE: |
| PUBLICATIONS: |
|
MENTORS:
Graduate Students |
My professional career focuses on building evidence to strengthen the regulation of tobacco and cannabis products. Much of my work centers on tobacco regulatory science, particularly the communication of tobacco product warning labels. I have examined key components of perceived message effectiveness (PME) for both public health campaigns and product warnings to better understand how messages influence risk perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. In addition, I lead State tobacco and e-cigarette prevention contracts, overseeing the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based prevention initiatives to reduce tobacco and nicotine use.
More recently, I have expanded this work to the development of cannabis product warnings. I am confident that my expertise in tobacco regulatory science—especially in designing and testing effective warning communications—translates directly to cannabis research and regulation. As cannabis legalization continues to expand across the United States, the need for evidence-based regulatory strategies is increasingly urgent. In 2020, 47.1 million U.S. adults reported using cannabis in the past year, and the market is projected to reach $197 billion by 2028, driven largely by the growth of recreational use. Through rigorous message testing, contract leadership, and regulatory-focused research, my work seeks to inform policies that protect public health in this rapidly evolving marketplace.
| UNC AFFILIATIONS: | CLINICAL/RESEARCH INTERESTS: |