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Behavioral Science

The scientific program area of "Behavioral Science" is comprised of behavioral scientists interested in interdisciplinary research addressing the role of behavioral and psychosocial factors in health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management. Research activities include:

•   assessment of behavioral and psychosocial risk factors (e.g. smoking, sexual behavior, dietary habits);
•  interventions designed to reduce risk factors, promote health-enhancing behaviors, and improve      processes of care;
•   examination of factors associated with adherence to medical and behavioral treatment regimens;
•   development of treatment strategies to promote mental and physical health;
•   and development of interventions to improve quality of life.

More specifically, research focuses on the role of behavioral and psychosocial factors in a variety of chronic conditions (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, depression), HIV and other infectious diseases, addiction, homelessness, and health services. Faculty collaborate with individuals in other scientific program areas within the Division of Preventive Medicine as well as other divisions and departments within UAB to examine behavioral and biomedical interactions that are specifically relevant in minority and underserved populations. Faculty also provide training for medical students/residents, undergraduate and graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows in various behavioral and biomedical sciences.

Leader

Isabel C. Scarinci-Searles, PhD MPH
      Associate Professor of Medicine
      scarinci@uab.edu

Faculty

Michelle Martin, PhD 
      Assistant Professor
      mymartin@uab.edu   

Isabel C. Scarinci-Searles, PhD MPH 
      Associate Professor
      scarinci@uab.edu   

Joseph E. Schumacher, PhD 
      Professor
      jschum@uab.edu   

Other Key Faculty

Diane Grimley, PhD 
    Associate Professor and Chair, Health Behavior
    dgrimley@uab.edu   

Joshua Klapow, PhD 
    Associate Professor, Social and Behavioral Science
    jklapow@uab.edu   

Jesse Milby, PhD 
    Professor, Social and Behavioral Sciences
    jmilby@dopm.uab.edu