She received her BA in English from the University of Virginia, MPH in behavioral science from Saint Louis University, and PhD in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan. She studies how health communication can improve individual decision making and reduce population health disparities for conditions or behaviors that lead to preventable mortality and morbidity. Historically, Dr. Langford has done work in cancer prevention. Her research now includes cardiovascular disease, with a particular interest in hypertension management and related decision making for African Americans. Dr. Langford serves as a peer mentor and also mentors undergraduate and graduate students.