I have two interrelated research interests:  narrative and empowerment based research.  The narrative research I am most interested in includes an exploration of how beliefs and values are enculturated across generations particularly class, race, culture, gender, and mental illness through the use of stories.  This research has included parent-child narratives comparing middle-class/working class mothers from the US; mother-child dyads from India, Russia, Israel, Russian Immigrants in the US, Russian Immigrants in Israel, Hispanic immigrants in the US; father-child versus mother-child narratives from the US; and most recently narratives from teachers of kindergarden children.

The empowerment based research that interests me involves working with underserved communities toward their goals of improving their community. This research has included an extensive five-year action based project working with an underserved community including children, parents, teachers, and directors of a large early education/YMCA program.

I view the diversity committee as critically important for ensuring that people from diverse backgrounds are acknowledged, respected and honored within the theory, method and practice of the field of psychology.