Hasting’s research interests cover health and mental health disparities among ethnic minority populations, African American mental health, welfare participation dynamics, and ethnic minority women’s health issues. Her research projects focus on the relationships between race, mental health outcomes, health conditions, risk and protective factors, and poverty. She has published on culturally competent research methods within African American communities, welfare participation, depression, and body weight. Her research grant portfolio includes funding from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, NIMH, the Ford Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.