Research Agenda 1.0: Sociopsychology of Human Behaviors in Rural and Underserved Communities

This project presents an early-stage research agenda focused on how cultural, environmental, and social factors shape health behaviors in rural and underserved communities. With a particular emphasis on chronic disease management, mental health, and stigma reduction, the goal is to design and evaluate community-based interventions that address the behavioral and social determinants of health. This agenda is informed by more than 20 years of professional experience as a journalist covering conflict, trauma, and community resilience. That background provides a unique lens into how individuals and communities respond to crisis, cope with stigma, and navigate systems of power and care. By bringing those lived observations into academic inquiry, this work aims to bridge the gap between practice and research, producing interventions that are both culturally responsive and sustainable.