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
LiveWell: Pilot Feasibility Trial of an Adapted Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Training Protocol in Patients With Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
Journal Article Psychooncology · December 2025 BACKGROUND: People living longer with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) experience heightened psychological distress and decrements in quality of life. Therefore, we developed LiveWell, an 8-session adapted dialectical behavioral therapy skill ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteIntegration of Mindfulness and Acupuncture After Spine Surgery: Protocol for a Randomized Acceptability and Feasibility Trial.
Journal Article JMIR Res Protoc · November 17, 2025 BACKGROUND: Spine surgery is increasingly common in the United States, contributing substantially to spine-related health care costs. While many patients benefit, up to 25% experience chronic postsurgical pain, and the procedure is linked to high rates of ... Full text Link to item CiteAdaptation and Implementation of Self-System Therapy for Older Adults with Advanced Lung Cancer: Pilot Trial Results.
Journal Article Cancers (Basel) · August 28, 2025 Background/Objectives: Advanced lung cancer is a highly distressing disease that negatively impacts older adults. Supportive care interventions designed for this population are scarce and often inaccessible due to competing demands and transportation acces ... Full text Open Access Link to item 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, Training & Certifications
Stony Brook University ·
1996
Ph.D.