Overview
My research focuses on developing and evaluating behavioral interventions to help patients and their family members cope with the symptoms and psychological demands associated with chronic and life-limiting illness.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
·
2019 - Present
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neurosciences,
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Professor in the School of Nursing
·
2019 - Present
School of Nursing
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2001 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Efficacy of a sexual quality of life intervention for couples facing metastatic breast cancer: Results of a randomized controlled trial.
Journal Article Cancer · March 1, 2026 BACKGROUND: Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) often report severe, long-standing concerns with their sexual quality of life (QOL), yet interventions for this population are scarce. This study evaluated the efficacy of a couple-based sexual QOL i ... Full text Link to item CiteUnderstanding Engagement With a Couple-Based Intimacy Enhancement Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors: An In-Depth Examination of Recruitment and On-Trial Engagement.
Journal Article Psychooncology · March 2026 BACKGROUND: Barriers hinder cancer survivors' participation in and engagement with psychosocial interventions, particularly for trials evaluating dyadic interventions. AIMS: We examined patterns of enrollment (Study 1) and intervention engagement (Study 2) ... Full text Link to item CiteA virtual program to teach pain coping skills to dyads of caregivers and Veterans with dementia or mild cognitive impairment: Preliminary quantitative and qualitative findings
Journal Article Palliative and Supportive Care · 2026 AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a clinical program desig ... Full text Open Access CiteRecent Grants
2/3 CTSA K12 Program at Duke University
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Development and pilot testing of a behavioral intervention to improve pelvic dilator therapy use among cancer survivors who received pelvic radiation
ResearchAdvisor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Couple Communication in Cancer: A Multi-method Examination
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Arizona State University · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education
Stony Brook University ·
1996
Ph.D.