Faculty Research Interests

I primarily specialize in research related to gender, work, and family. The bulk of my research is on work-family conflict and the division of paid and unpaid labor in households. I am particularly interested in health outcomes associated with various aspects of work-family balance. A second area of research examines the effectiveness of high impact practices, such as experiential classroom simulations, in achieving student learning outcomes. While not a primary area of focus, I have also conducted research on how culture and identity shape food patterns and meanings.

My primary interests are in the fields of American federalism and state and local policy agendas. Recently I co-edited the book Teaching Federalism: Multidimensional Approaches (2023), which was published as part of Edward Elgar’s Teaching Methods series. Prior to that I researched how the American federal system has affected the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in four co-authored publications. I am currently co-editing The Health of Democracy in Federal Political Systems: Consolidating, Thriving, or Backsliding? which draws upon papers presented at the 2023 International Association of Centers for Federal Studies Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

Much of my state politics research focuses on Pennsylvania. I have co-edited Pennsylvania Politics and Policy: A Commonwealth Reader, Volume 1 (2018) and Volume 2 (2019). I am currently doing research for Governing the Commonwealth: Politics, Policy and Executive Power in Pennsylvania. The book examines how recent Pennsylvania governors have used their formal and informal powers to influence public policy across a range of issues including education, the environment, and social welfare.

My research focuses on the neurobiology of social behavior and how hormones play a role in regulating those behaviors. Together with Widener undergraduate biology majors, I work on projects ranging from brain and behavior studies in songbirds, stress physiology in fish, to testing gene therapy treatments for nervous system disorders in rodents. All of my projects are conducted at Widener, some of which are done in collaboration with researchers at larger institutions.

In my research, I explore the rich, diverse tapestry of human sexuality, recognizing the importance of acknowledging and respecting this diversity. Whether it’s addressing the challenges faced by sexuality professionals, or examining the complex issues surrounding sex, work, and ethics, my research pursuits aim to explore critical aspects of human sexuality in our ever-evolving world.

My main research interests include sexual ethics and diversity, cross-cultural sexuality, and Catholic sexual theology.  I often research justice issues in the field of sexuality, examining issues of consent, sexual behaviors, sexual fantasy, trauma, and sexuality education

My research focuses on consumer behavior and digital marketing, with a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. I investigate sources that generate consumer happiness and improve consumer well-being. My works have been published in the Review of Marketing Research and presented at conferences including Academy of Marketing Science and American Academy of Advertising.

My research focuses on translating teachers' knowledge into classroom practice.

• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
• Occupational Justice
• Trauma Informed Practice
• Clinical and Professional Reasoning
• Role of Occupational Therapy in Healing Police & Community Relations

My research interests include restaurant management, casino management, human resource management, lodging management, food and beverage management, food safety, organizational behavior/dynamics, labor relations, interpersonal communication dynamics, pedagogy in hospitality education, freshman studies/retention, assessment, and accreditation in higher education.

Dr. Love’s research sits at the intersection of faith, spirituality, and education. She employs qualitative and historical inquiry to explore topics related to spiritual wellness, organizational change, and social justice. Her work investigates how morals and values influence individual development, resilience, and purpose, and how these personal attributes connect to broader institutional outcomes such as retention, community building, and a sense of belonging.

• Clinical and Professional Reasoning
• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
• Occupational Justice
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

My research interests include forest phenology/climatology, sustainable development, and tropical ecology.

My research interests include the treatment of rape victims by the criminal justice, medical and legal systems, the transformation of rape crisis centers, and the experiences and struggles of rape victim advocates, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.   In addition, I have conducted research on the effect of marijuana legalization on crime rates, mock jurors’ understanding of sentencing instructions, and students’ fear of crime on campus.

My research interests include modern Chinese history, race and ethnicity, and transnational history. I have published a number of book chapters, journal articles, and book reviews in these fields. I am currently working on a book manuscript on the history of Muslims in China.

My research interests include examining Black women's experiences in higher education, the opportunities and challenges of Predominantly Black Institutions, and how racialized minorities establish community at highly selective institutions. 

My research is focused on high-energy variability in active galactic nuclei. Some galaxies have super massive black holes at their centers, which are actively pulling in matter. As gas falls into the black hole, it heats up and emits tremendous amounts of light. High-energy radiation (such as X-rays and gamma-rays) comes from the innermost regions near the black hole.

I study how these objects vary in brightness over time and use analysis techniques to put constraints on the physical parameters and geometry of the central black hole.

Impact of climate change on health and vulnerable communities
Disaster Preparedness
Student Success

My research interests include Biomedical signal processing, Biomedical image processing and Engineering Education.

Clinical Education

Domestic minor sex trafficking, complex trauma, trauma-informed care, helping clients gain access to mental health services, crisis intervention, and sexual health and education.

My research interests are in nonlinear phenomena such as granular materials.