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Dan Nyaronga

I am a Professor of Psychology & Human Development at SUNY Empire State University. 

My experiences include teaching blended studies (e.g., online, and face-to-face) in Human Development, Abnormal Psychology, Research methods, Human Sexuality, Adolescent Development, introduction to Psychology, Cultural Psychology, Cultural Diversity, Swahili, Cross-Cultural Management, Cross-cultural Conflict Resolution, family intervention, Case Management, Introduction to Human Services, Developmental Psychology, Personality Theories, Human Behavior and Social Environment.

I am also a visiting faculty at SUNY University at Buffalo, where I teach Summer Study Abroad Program to Africa “Community Development in Context: Mara Region, Tanzania.” An interdisciplinary program with a focus on community development that offers innovative Experiential Learning for undergraduate and graduate students from SUNY Institutions in New York.

I previously worked as: a project director for Africare Tanzania at Mlali Child Survival Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), assistant to the director of Multicultural Program at Valparaiso University, Senior Research Associate at Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University, and Associate Research Scientist at Public Health Institute, Oakland California.

I hold a Ph.D. and Masters degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) from Iowa State University. My Bachelor’s degree in Community Development is from Daystar University, Nairobi.

My community work focuses on refugees and Immigrant challenges & women’s empowerment in the developing countries. My research focuses on students’ experiential learning, minority groups (e.g., wounded worriers, women, and refugees and Immigrant families), and physical and mental health outcomes. I am a passionate writer and a staunch advocate for policy change on issues that affect women and refugees and immigrant families.

I am currently affiliated with community organizations such as Flower Garden Childcare International (current president), HEAL International (past board Member), Buffalo Tanzania Education Project (Member) and Girls Education Collaborative (past board member).  I have published in numerous scholarly journals and edited books. I am also a member of several professional organizations including National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and American Psychological Association (APA).

Please, see my full resume below:

EDUCATION

PH. D, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa (2006)                                           

Major: Major: Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS); Minor: Gerontology

M.S, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa (2003)                                                          

Major: Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS)

M.A.L.S, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana (2001)                                                                   

              Human Behavior and Society     

B.A., Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya (1997)                                                              

                 Community Development (Minor in Business Administration and Management)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING                                                                            

Post-Doctoral -UC Berkeley, School of Public Health (2007-2008)

  • Epidemiology of alcohol use and alcohol-related health disparities among White, Black, and Hispanic Men and women in the USA.          

Grant writing  -Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) Conference, Chicago (2007)

Reproductive Health Education and Supervision-Ministry of Health, Government of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania (1998)

  • Family planning, HIV & other STDs, counseling, pre-and post-natal safety technologies

Participatory Appraisal –Africare Tanzania, Dodoma (1998)

  • Problem analysis and Planning Matrix for development programs

SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

State University of New York-Empire State University (2009-Present).

  • Professor (July 2021-Present)
  • Associate Professor (Sept 2015-June 2021)
  • Assistant Professor (Sept 2009-Sept 2014)

Teaching (e.g., blended studies -with both online and face-to-face components): Human Development, Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, Human Sexuality, Adolescent Development, introduction to Psychology, Cultural Diversity, Swahili, Cross-Cultural Management, Cross-cultural Conflict Resolution, family intervention, Case Management, Introduction to Human Services, Developmental Psychology, & Human Behavior and Social Environment.

SUNY University at Buffalo, New York (2014-Present)

  • Visiting Faculty

Teaching Experience: Tanzania-Summer Study Abroad Program “Community Development in Context: Mara Region, Tanzania.” An interdisciplinary program with a focus on community development offers innovative Experiential Learning for undergraduate and graduate students from SUNY Institutions around the area (e.g., University at Buffalo, SUNY Albany, SUNY Fredonia, and Empire State College). The travel in Tanzania provides students with a unique adventure experience where the social, political, and cultural systems are tremendously different from that of the United States. They have an opportunity to engage in service learning and use experiences and knowledge gained to develop innovative solutions to address observed problems.

Here is a video documentary by ESC student: Regina Jackson, 2017-2018:

Video Documentary, Summer Study Abroad to Tanzania

Purdue University, WestLafayette, Indiana (2008-2009)

  • Visiting Faculty-The Department of Child Development and Family Studies

Teaching Experience:  Deployment and resilience in military families (CDFS 390)

Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana (2009)

  • Visiting Faculty -Teaching Experience: Health Behaviors Childhood and Adolescence

University of California, Berkeley (2007)

  • Visiting Faculty- Center for African Studies- Proctor Exams: Introductory and advanced Swahili classes

Des Moines Area Community College, Boone, Iowa (DMAC; 2005-2006)

  • Visiting Faculty-Teaching Experience: Courtship, Marriage, and Family class (Sociology 103)

Iowa State University, Iowa (2001-2006)

  • Teaching Assistant (TA)-Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Teaching Experience: Family Diversity (HDFS 270), Individual and Family Life Development (HDFS 102), & Tae Kwondo/Karate I and II (Ex Sp 170)

Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana (1999-2000)

  • Teaching Assistant (TA)-Department of Sociology-

Teaching Experience: Ethics in the Criminal Justice System (SOC 365)

GS Consult, Nairobi, Kenya -Internship (1997)

  • Teaching Experience (TA): Trainer/ Moderated Community Oriented Project Planning Workshops on problem analysis, planning, and project proposal writing, utilizing SMART parameters (Specific, Measurable, Accurate, Reasonable, and Time-bound objectives).

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:

SUNY Empire State University (2009- Present)

  • Faculty- Research focuses on risk and resilient factors, minority groups (e.g., military families, &refugees), gender violence (e.g., Early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation), alcohol Problems and alcohol-related disparities family readjustments, and physical and mental health outcomes

Active (ongoing)Research:

  • To explore the perceptions of legalization of medical marijuana in Colorado, physical and mental health challenges, the drug policies, and the relocation challenges-before, during, and after moving to Colorado (N=20)
  • Assessing and Evaluating Perceptions and Concerns around Menstrual Awareness, Consumer Pattern, Management and Implications for Health and Education in the Rural Tanzania (N= 760)
  • Assessing and Evaluating Risk, Resources, and Health outcome among Immigrants and Refugee Families in Western New York (N= 222)

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (2008-2009)

  • Senior Research Associate - Military Family Research Institute (MFRI)

Conducts and analyzes studies that provide insight into the experiences of military members and their families. Studies include data set from Sesame Street Workshop, ZERO TO THREE, and Indiana National Guard.

Public Health Institute, Oakland, California (2007-2008)

  • Associate Research Scientist-Alcohol Research Group (ARG; Emeryville, CA)

Conduct and analyze National Alcohol Survey data for 1984-2005.

Iowa State University, Iowa (2001-2006)

  • Research Assistant (RA) -Institute for Social and Behavioral Research (ISBR)  

Data Analysis Experience: Using SPSS, SAS, LISREL, AMOS, and HLM

Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana (1999-2000)

  • Research Assistant (RA)-Sociology Department.

Data Analysis Experience: Using SPSS to analyze lynch mob composition data set

MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT (PE) EXPERIENCE

Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana (1999-2000)

  • Assistant to the Director of Multicultural Program-Office of Multicultural Program

Organize the diversity events around campus including the celebration of Martin Luther King Day, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and Black Historic Month.

  • Library Assistant -Valparaiso Law Library

Africare Tanzania (1998)-Mlali Child Survival Project (Dodoma, Tanzania) -funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

  • Project Development Officer

(I) Met with target groups (village council, village health committee, and traditional birth attendants, community based health facilitators) to inform, motivate, educate, brainstorm, and facilitate problem- solving; (II) organized education sessions to sensitize, motivate, and increase knowledge and awareness of good health practices; (III) assisted with group formation and leadership training for income generating activities; (IV) collected data for health information system to allow for proper monitoring and evaluation.

                                                                              

SAMPLE PUBLICATION

  • Nyaronga, D. (Under Review). Discrimination and Trauma Experiences among Refugee in the US: Risk and Resources. Journal of School Health.
  • Eliseo-Arras, R. K., Paterson, M., Nyaronga, D., Sheppard, S., Mincin, J., Scott, C. F., & Brous, R. (Accepted with revisions). A qualitative study on defining addiction to non-suicidal self-injury. The Qualitative Report.
  • Nyaronga, D., Moreal, C. (2021). Assessing Whether Short-Term Study Abroad Experience Can Catalyze Student Personal and Social Responsibility, Academic and Professional Choices, and Community Engagement. In Mikule, Potempa, & Inman (Ed), Education Abroad: Learning Environments in a Global Context. NC: Information Age Publishing
  • Nyaronga, D. (2019). On Campus Mental Health Risk and Challenges for Student Service Members/Veterans (SSM/V). The Routledge International Handbook of Military Psychology and Mental Health.
  • Huber, M.B. & Nyaronga, D. (2019). On Tanzania Time: Celebrating 10 years of Friendship, Engagement and Discovery in the Mara Region. NY: University at Buffalo (ELN) https://ubir.buffalo.edu/xmlui/handle/10477/78315
  • Huber, M.B. & Nyaronga, D. (2015). Finding your impact through international travel: Stories from the Buffalo Tanzania Education Project. KY: Wasteland
  • Nyaronga, D., & Toma, R. (2015). Veteran students’ Mental Health: Who is at a Greater Risk for PTSD on College Campuses? Military Psychology, 27(4), 223-231. DOI: 10.1037/mil0000079.
  • Huber, M.B. & Nyaronga, D (2015) Bringing International Engagement to Scale: Lessons from the Buffalo-Tanzania Education Project (BTEP): Working with Diverse Communities, Metropolitan Universities Journal, Barbara Holland Ed.
  • Posada, G. E.,Walker, D., Cardin, J., Nyaronga, D., Schwartz, R., & MacDermid-Wadsworth, S. (2015). Maternal Perspectives on Deployment and Child-Mother Relationships in Military Families. Family Relations, 64(5)651-664.
  • Nyaronga, D., & Toma, R. (2014). Socio-cultural practices and women’s health in Tanzania. The International Journal of Social Science and Human Behavior Study, 1(4), 46-50. ISSN 2374-1627.
  • Nyaronga, D., Greenfield T., & McDaniel, P. (2009). Drinking context and drinking problems among Black, White and Hispanic Men and Women in the 1984, 1995, and 2005 U.S. National Alcohol Surveys.  Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 70, 16-26 (Top 10 Downloads from JSAD.com in 2009).
  • Nyaronga, D., &Wickrama, K.A.S. (2008).  Health behaviors childhood and adolescence. In D. Carr (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the Life Course and Human Development (Vol. 1, pg. 211-216). Michigan: Gail Publications.
  • Dzewaltowski, D., Karteroliotis, K.,Welk., G., Johnston, J. A., Nyaronga, D., &Estabrooks, P. A. (2007). Measurement of self and Proxy Efficacy for Middle School Youth Physical Activity. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 29, 310-332

Internal Review (Work in progress)

  • Eliseo-Arras, R. K., Nyaronga, D., Mincin, J. Paterson, M., Sheppard, S., & Scott, C. (Under Review). Social media as social support for individuals engaging in non-suicidal self-injury.
  • Eliseo-Arras, R. K., Nyaronga, D., Mincin, J., & Paterson, M. (Under Review). Alcohol and non-suicidal self-injury posts on reddit: How can social workers make a difference?
  • Nyaronga, D., Moreal, C. (Under Review). Substance abuse among Refugees Youth: Structural Equation Modeling of Pathways between Chronic Stress, school acceptance, trauma and substance abuse
  • Nyaronga, D. (Under Review). Mental Health Challenges and Self-esteem among Refugees Families in the US.
  • Nyaronga, D., & Patterson, B. (Under Review). Trauma among refugees and Immigrant population in the US: Risk and Resources.
  • Nyaronga, D.&Schneite, M. (Under Review). Psychological Sense of School Belonging among Refugees in the US: Effects of Discrimination.
  • Nyaronga, D., & Khan, Z. (Under Review). Perceived Discrimination and Domestic violence (IPV) among Refugee Families in the US.

ACADEMIC PAPER PRESENTATIONS

  • Nyaronga, D.& Loper, S. (2023, July 5-7). Level of Education and Menstrual Challenges for Adolescent Girls in Rural Tanzania. Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre & The Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Gardens Point Campus, Australia.
  • Nyaronga, D. & Loper, S. (2023, June 16-19). Level of Education and Menstrual Challenges in Rural Tanzania, The Paris Conference on Education (PCE2023)
  • Nyaronga, D. (2023, June 15-16). High Impact Experiential Learning. International Internship Conference, Indianapolis.
  • Nyaronga, D., King, J., Townes, S., Brown, A., & Loper, S. (2023, March 22-23). The Differential Effect of Internship Participation on GPA and Graduation Rate by Demographics. All College Conference, Spring, NY
  • Nyaronga, D., Eades-Baird, M., & Mhamed, A. (2023, March 22-23). Exploring Biological and Material Factors Impacting Girls’ Menstrual-related School Absenteeism in Rural Tanzania. All College Conference, Spring, NY
  • Nyaronga, D. (March 16, 2023). High Impact Experiential Learning. Experiential Learning Leadership Institute (ELLI) Conference, The University of Tennessee at Martin, Tennessee.
  • Nyaronga, D. (March 15, 2023). Women’s Land Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa. Panel Discussion, hosted by Center for Global Development (CGD), Washington, D.C. https://www.cgdev.org/event/womens-land-rights-sub-saharan-africa
  • Nyaronga, D. (March 6-7, 2023). Discrimination and Trauma among Refugee in the US: Risk and Resources, International Conference on Immigration studies, Bali, Indonesia
  • Eliseo-Arras, R. K., Mincin, J., Nyaronga, D., Sheppard, S. M., & Paterson, M. (October 2022). Linking depression, alcohol dependence, and social media support groups for non-suicidal self-injury: Implications for social work curriculum. Research Report presented at the 55th Annual New York State Social Work Education Association (NYSSWEA) Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY.
  • Nyaronga, D. (April 4, 2022). Discrimination and Trauma among Refugee in the US: Risk and Resources, Scholars Across the College, SUNY Empire State College-School of Nursing and Allied Health
  • Huber, M. B., Nyaronga, D., Marwa, S. (March 21, 2022). Integrating Travel and Technology to enhance access, equity, and impact in the world: Lessons from Mara, Tanzania. The forum on Education Abroad conference, Chicago, IL.
  • Nyaronga, D. (March 15, 2022). Discrimination and Trauma among Refugee in the US: Risk and Resources, Scholars Across the College, SUNY Empire State College- School of Arts and Humanities
  • Nyaronga, D. (February 8, 2022). Discrimination and Trauma among Refugee in the US: Risk and Resources, Scholars Across the College, SUNY Empire State College-Deliberative Conversation 
  • Huber, M., Nyaronga, D., Mahili, K., & Romano, C. (2022, Oct 7). From Traditional to Transformational Engagement. 2022 Annual Gathering. University Global Coalition, Chicago, IL
  • Nyaronga, D. (December 7, 2021). Discrimination and Trauma among Refugee in the US: Risk and Resources, Scholars Across the College, SUNY Empire State College-School of Human Services 
  • Eliseo-Arras, R. K., Sheppard, S., Nyaronga, D., Mincin, J., Brous, R., Paterson, M., & VanKuren, D. (November 10-12, 2021), Examining Reddit Comments on a Suicide Support Sub-Community: Lessons for Social Workers. New York State Social Work Education Association 54th Annual Conference, Healing from Community Trauma along the Micro to Macro Continuum, Sienna College, NY
  • Nyaronga, D. (November 3, 2021). Discrimination and Trauma among Refugee in the US: Risk and Resources, Scholars Across the College, SUNY Empire State College-ESC Support Staff meeting 
  • Nyaronga, D. (October 12, 2021). Discrimination and Trauma among Refugee in the US: Risk and Resources. Scholars Across the College, SUNY Empire State College-Buffalo Niagara Frontier 
  • Nyaronga, D. (October 12, 2021). Discrimination and Trauma among Refugee in the US: Risk and Resources. Scholars Across the College, SUNY Empire State College-School for Graduate Studies.
  • Nyaronga, D. (October 5, 2021). Discrimination and Trauma among Refugee in the US: Risk and Resources, Scholars Across the College, SUNY Empire State College-School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Erb, M., Smith, S., Nyaronga, D. (April 17, 2021). Traumatic Experiences among Refugees in the U.S.: Risk and Resources. WNY Undergraduate Psychology Conference, SUNY University at Buffalo.
  • Erb, M., Smith, S., Nyaronga, D. (April 16, 2021). Traumatic Experiences among Refugees in the U.S.: Risk and Resources. Annual Undergraduate Research Conference (SUNY SURC), SUNY Old Westbury.
  • Nyaronga, D.& Toma, R.  (August 26-27, 2014). Socio-cultural Practices and women’s Health in Tanzania. Paper presentation at the International Conference on Advances in Economics, Social Science, and Human Behavior Study, Hong Kong.
  • Nyaronga, D. & Toma, R. (October 2014). Veteran students’ mental health: Who is at a greater risk for PTSD on college campuses? Paper presentation at Fall Academic Conference, SUNY Empire State College, SaratogaSprings, New York.
  • Nyaronga, D. (August 10, 2014). Multicultural parenting.A paper presented at monthly collaborative groups meeting organized by Buffalo Family Court’s Judges chamber (Judge Lisa Bloch Rodwin), Buffalo, New York
  • Nyaronga, D.(August 5-6, 2014). Adolescent obesity and safety concerns. A seminar paper presented at the refugees and immigrant’s youth summer camp, Buffalo State College, Buffalo, New York
  • Nyaronga, D. (February 25 - 28, 2013). Strategies to address unwillingness of geographically dispersed veterans and active duty military personnel to seeking mental health assistance. A poster presentation at the CCME Conference, San Diego, California.
  • Nyaronga, D. (August 23-24, 2013). Women's health concerns in Tanzania.A seminar presentation at women's leadership health care conference, Bohare Community Development Training Institute (CDTI), Musoma,Tanzania.
  • Kost, K., Huber, M.& Nyaronga, D. (June 14-15, 2012). International collaboration: Creating interventions that are culturally relevant.A paper presentation at the International Social Work Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
  • Nyaronga, D., Preston-Sternberg, M., &Solinas-Saunders, M. (Nov 10-15, 2009). Social Support as a mediator in the relationship between Religion and Self-efficacy among GLBT.A poster presentation at the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Conference.  San Francisco (Burlingame), California.
  • Preston-Sternberg, M., Solinas-Saunders, M., & Nyaronga, D. (April 4, 2009). College Transitions for Student Veterans.A paper presentation at Ivy Tech Statewide Faculty Conference, Marion, Indiana,
  • Posada, G. E., Schwarz, R., Nyaronga, D., Cohen, D. I., &MacDermid, S. (April 2, 2009). Mothers ‘perceptions of child-mother interaction, family context, and socialization outcomes in military families. Poster presentation at theSociety for Research in Child Development (SRCD) Biennial Meetings, Denver, Colorado.
  • Nyaronga, D., Posada, A., MacDermid, S.  (Nov 13-15, 2008). Relationship between parental deployment and child adjustment in military families.  A panel presentation at the 24th International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (STSS) Conference in Chicago, Ilinois.
  • Nyaronga, D., Wickrama, K.A.S. (July, 28-29, 2003). Community Context of Social Resources and Adolescent Behavioral Problems. A paper presentation at the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (www.addhealth) Conference, Bethesda, MD
  • Nyaronga, D., Wickrama, K.A.S. (April 2003). Community Context and Adolescent Delinquency.Poster presentation at the Annual Poster Session (First Place Award), College of Human Sciences, Iowa State University, Iowa.
  • Nyaronga, D. (March 2001). HIV/AIDS problem in Africa: Religion, Ethics and Values.Zygon Center for Religion and Science. Chicago, Illinois.
  • Nyaronga, D., Clark T. (June 23-27, 2000). Atrocity, Contagion, and Lynch Mob Composition. A paper presentation at the Midwest Student Sociology Conference, Indiana University, South Bend, Indiana

Key Note Speaker(Nov 11, 2019):Empire State College, fall 2019 Global Studies Virtual Residency “Social Innovation and Women’s Empowerment in Africa”https://learn.esc.edu/media/fall19+Virtual+Residency+keynote+-+Dr.+Dan+Nyaronga/1_ne1tg8p0

Refugees and Immigrants’ Journey and Personal experiences-Buffalo, NY

US Migration Panel Discussion (6/10/2021):

Video: https://learn.esc.edu/media/t/1_luzvc2mx

Audio, which you can listen to in podcast format: https://learn.esc.edu/media/t/1_pdkpio2i

Panel Discussions &Presentations at Buffalo, NY:

  • Erie County Family Court: H.E.A.L. International’s Mayor Byron Brown- Summer Youth Program, August 15, 2019 (Invitation by Judge Lisa loch Rodwin).
  • Erie County Family Court: H.E.A.L. International’sMayor Byron Brown- Summer Youth Program, August 14, 2018 (Invitation by Judge Lisa loch Rodwin).
  • Erie County Family Court: H.E.A.L. International’s Mayor Byron Brown- Summer Youth Program, August 9, 2016 (Invitation by Judge Lisa loch Rodwin).
  • Erie County Family Court: H.E.A.L. International’s Mayor Byron Brown- Summer Youth Program, August 15, 2014 (Invitation by Judge Lisa loch Rodwin).

Moderating Panel Discussions in Africa (International):

  • SUNY University at Buffalo &Bohare Community Development Training Institute (Tanzania), July 26, 2019
  • SUNY Students (e.g., University at Buffalo & Empire State College) &Bohare Community Development Training Institute (Tanzania), July 18, 2017
  • SUNY University at Buffalo faculty and students &Bohare Community Development Training Institute (Tanzania), July 15, 2016
  • SUNY University at Buffalo Faculty and Students &Bohare Community Development Training Institute (Tanzania), July 24, 2015
  • SUNY Students (University at Buffalo, SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Albany) &Bohare Community Development Training Institute (Tanzania), July 20, 2014

TECHNICAL REPORTS

  • Schwarz, R.,Nyaronga, D., Posada, G., &MacDermid Wadsworth, S. (2009). Talk, listen,connect:  Deployments and homecomings supporting military families with young children. Findings from the TLC II – MD kit evaluation. West Lafayette, IN: Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University.
  • Topp, D. B., Schwarz, R.,Diamond, K., Tessema, T. A., Nyaronga, D., &MacDermid Wadsworth, S. (2009). Coming together around military families: Training evaluation. West Lafayette, IN: Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University.
  • MacDermid, S. M., Samper, R., Schwarz, R., Nishida, J., & Nyaronga, D. (2008). Understanding and promoting resilience in military families. West Lafayette, IN: Military Family Research Institute. This report was written at the request of the Director of Family Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for inclusion in a response to Congress.

GRANTS, PROJECTS, AND AWARDS:

  • Through SUNY Provost office and the Innovative Instruction Research Council (IIRC), Scaling Locally Led Development and Sustainability (LLDS) Projects with Digital Badges, has been selected for Innovative Instruction Technology Grant (IITG) funding in 2023-24. Awarded $57,000.
  • Arthur Imperatore Community Fellowship (2022-2023): To pilot the New Experiential Learning program at SUNY Empire State University.
  • Scholar Across the College Award (2021-2022): “Correlates of trauma among refugees in relationship to ongoing chronic stressors, resilience, social support, religiosity, age, level of education, race, gender identity, time lived in the US, and possible coping mechanisms.”
  • Sabbatical Research (July 22, 2019– January 3, 2020): “Perceptions and concerns around risks and resources affecting immigrants and refugee families in the United States.”
  • PI (PILLARS GRANT): “To access and evaluate the Perceptions and concerns around menstrual awareness, consumer pattern, management and implications for health and education in the Rural Tanzania” ($3500; Dec 2019-Dec 2020)-Successful
  • Co-PI (PILLARS GRANT): “Exploring the perceptions of legalization of medical marijuana in Colorado, physical and mental health challenges, the drug policies, and the relocation challenges-before, during, and after moving to Colorado” ($3500; Dec 2019-Dec 2020)-Successful
  • PI: “Capacity Building Program for U.S. Study Abroad (Co-Pi -Francesca Cichelo& Elliott Dawes; $35,000)-Unsuccessful
  • PI: “Women's Health Concerns in Tanzania.” Women's Leaders Health Care Conference, Tanzania, August 2015- ($2200)-successful
  • International Conference in Advances in Economics, Social Sciences, and Human Development, Hong Kong, August 2014 ($2200)-successful
  • PI: “Research on Social-Cultural Practices and women’s health in Tanzania” – June 2013 ($1000)-successful
  • Co-PI: “Strategies to address unwillingness of geographically dispersed veterans and active-duty military personnel to seeking mental health assistance”. CCME Conference, San Diego, California, February2013 ($1800)-successful
  • Co-PI: Psychological Health: Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program on resiliency training (2010). The Department of Defense’ Psychological Health/Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program (Funding Opportunity Number: W81XWH-11-PHTBI-BAPHA) – ($500,000)-unsuccessful
  • Senior Research Associate on Lily Endowment Grant for Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University (10million; 2008-2009)
  • Trainee on NIAAA “Graduate Research Training in Alcohol Problems: Alcohol-Related Disparities” (grant # T32 AA007240), to Alcohol Research Group (ARG) in partnership with School of Public Health at the University of California Berkeley (2007-2008)

SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY- SUNY-EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP (2009-Present):

  • Academic Personnel Committee Chair (APC)-June 2021-  
  • Academic Personnel Committee Vice-chair (APC)-2020-Present
  • ESC 2020 Fall Academic Conference Co-chair-2020
  • Institutional Review Board member (IRB)-2020-Present)
  • Assessment in the Major ad-hoc committee member (Psychology and Human Development Department)-2021-Present
  • Faculty Search ad-hoc Committee (Department of Human Development: 2021)
  • Academic Personnel Committee member (APC)-2014-2017; 2019-Present
  • Graduate Studies and Policies Committee member (GSPC, Alternate)-2017-2019.
  • Human Development Areas of Study Guidelines Revision team member (2019-present);
  • ACT for Excellence and Student Initiative Scholarship (ad hoc)2017.
  • Center for Mentoring and Learning Committee Advisory Board member (CML)-2014-2016.
  • Faculty Development Funding Committee member (FDF)- 2015-2016.
  • Faculty Conference Advisory Committee member (FCAC)- 2014-2015.
  • Academic Planning and Review Committee member (APARC)-2012-2015.
  • Professional Development Committee member (PDC)-2012-2015.
  • Center Assessment Committee member (PAC)- 2009-2019.
  • Center Personnel Review Committee member (CPC)- 2013-2015.
  • e-portfolio review committee (ad hoc)–2014-2015.
  • New Mentor Orientation Planning Group member (NMO)-2010-2013
  • Tenure –track faculty search committee (ad hoc)-2011.

COMMUNITY SERVICE & BOARD MEMBERSHIP:

  • Flower Garden Child Care International, Buffalo, NY (FGCCI; President and Chair of the Governing Board; 2014 - Present)

FGCCI exist to develop and implement culturally responsive programs that promote the wellbeing of refugees and immigrants who have come to United Stated of America, and for survivors and orphans of war, epidemics, and famine in their regions of origin

  • Buffalo Tanzania Education Project (BTEP; Member)-2009-Present

The Buffalo Tanzania Education Project (BTEP) -formed in 2009 with membership that includes faculty, staff and students from the University at Buffalo (UB), Empire State College, Buffalo State College, D’Youville College, community members and organizations (e.g., Sunrise Rotary Club of Western New York, Solar Liberty Foundation of Western New York, and Girls Education Collaborative) all contributing to the development of a comprehensive high school campus in Kitenga, Mara-Tanzania. Since its inception, BTEP has evolved into an active learning community that incubates and fosters individual and collective efforts including research projects, fundraising service, & course development. Kitenga is a remote village in northern Tanzania characterized by dirt roads, lack of running water and electricity, limited healthcare services, &few educational opportunities.

  • HEAL International (Board Member)-2013-2015

Helping Everyone Achieve Livelihood (HEAL) is an organization started and managed by refugees to help others adapt to their new life. With a well-earned reputation for conflict resolution and community advocacy, HEALbridge the cultural divide for new arrivals and helps ease the transition for those who have relocated far away from their family.

  • Girls Education Collaborative, Buffalo, NY (GEC; Founding Board Member-2012-2013)

GEC focuses on transformative power of education that enables young women in developing nations to become catalysts for change in their own communities. Through fundraising GEC supports the construction of a school campus in Kitenga, Tanzania.

  • Journeys End Refugee Services, Buffalo, NY (Language Interpreter for Swahili, 2009-2013)

Journey's End Refugee Services, Inc. is a Christian community-based organization with the mission of welcoming refugees without regard to ethnic origin or creed and to assist them to become healthy, independent, contributing members of the community. They provide refugees with the resources and support they need to become successful, active and contributing members of the Western New York Community.

  • Sydley Austin LLP, San Francisco, California (Language Interpretation for Swahili, 2007-2008)

The Political Asylum and Immigrants’ Rights Project provides legal services to asylum-seeking immigrants and refugees fleeing persecution abroad. The project addresses other immigration matters, including representation of victims of domestic violence and other crimes seeking relief under the Violence Against Women Act and nonimmigrant status; adjustments to lawful permanent resident status for asylees and refugees; and representation of immigrant minors in Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases.

  • Catholic Charities, Diocese of Gary, Indiana (Volunteered for Food Pantry Distribution Services-1999)

Catholic Charities provides and advocates for the physical, emotional, and social needs of the poor and vulnerable in Northwest Indiana, meeting them right where they are with the help they need, and creating hope for a brighter future regardless of their religious or ethnic background.

AD HOC REVIEWER:

  • The Journal of Substance use
  • Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Journal
  • Sage Publications

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

  • The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)             
  • National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)
  • Council of College and Military Educators (CCME)
  • American psychological Association (APA)

Degrees

  • MALS in Human Behavior and Society from Valparaiso University
  • Ph.D in Human Development from Iowa State University