Welcome to the Gerend Health Psychology Lab! Our research focuses on understanding social and psychological factors that affect health and health behavior. We are also interested in designing and implementing effective interventions for promoting behavior change. Much of our work centers on reducing health disparities in groups disproportionately affected by disease.
Research Interests
- Health Psychology
- Health Messaging and Health Communication
- Cancer Prevention Behavior
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination
- Cancer Screening
- Tobacco Cessation
- Health Disparities
- Stigma and Health
Dr. Mary Gerend is seeking several bright, mature, and conscientious students with interests in health psychology to join her research team.
Current research projects focus on discrimination and health, cancer prevention behavior, and health messaging.

Responsibilities in the lab may include:
- Running experimental sessions
- Attending weekly lab meetings
- Assisting with participant recruitment
- Coding qualitative data
Requirements:
- Minimum GPA - 3.2
- Must be able to attend weekly lab meeting held on Tuesdays from 3:30PM-4:30 PM
- Available for 9 hours per week (3 credits)
Positions are ideal for students interested in medical school or graduate school in health psychology or public health.
For more information, please contact Mary Gerend, Ph.D.