Her research focuses on two key questions. First, how do people navigate experiences that involve dramatic change in health related identities such as being overweight or obese? Second, how can families help adolescents and young adults cope effectively with the transition between childhood and adulthood? Currently, she is investigating the role of family racial socialization as a buffer assisting children when coping with the mental health consequences of social stress and discrimination. She studies these questions using both qualitative and quantitative data. Research interests include: self and identity processes involving obesity and weight loss; mental health consequences of obesity; mental health consequences of racial discrimination.