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Our research lies at the intersection of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Public Health, and Psychology. We focus on broadly on digital mental health, investigating the uses, perceptions, and effects of technology on users' mental health. We look at the interaction from a holistic perspective, which means we investigate general purpose technology, non-condition-specific health technology, and condition-specific technology with the purpose of informing design. Thus, we consider mental health generally (i.e., emotional, psychological, and social aspects) as well as mental illnesses. We take a human-centered approach - ​meaning we put people first.

Active Projects

Digital Mental Health
  • College Students' Mental Health
  • Evaluation of Digital Mental Health Technologies Across CA
  • CAPS Redesign Project
  • The Influence of Priors on Mental Health and Well-being Behaviors Among College Students at UC San Diego
Mental Health in Diet and Fitness Technologies
  • Mental Health in Diet and Fitness Communities
  • The Use & Consequences of Diet and Fitness Apps by College Women with Eating Disorders
  • Emotion and Thought Responses to Data Engagement and Design Features in Diet and Fitness Apps (Team Rumination Nation)
Mental Health, Well-being, and Social Media
  • Stigma and Sharing on Social Media: How Immigrant Students with Depression Cultivate Connections (Team Social Media)
  • Instagram Insights for Wellness​
Belonging, Inclusion, and Mental Health in Education
  • Built-In Belonging: Scaling and Fostering Diverse and Inclusive Intergenerational Communities of Practice 
  • iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3) Program Evaluation
Healthcare
  • Doulas' Perspectives in Birth Givers' Care
  • SMS Stress and Burnout Monitoring in Physicians 

Completed Projects

  • Depression Self-Management Among College Students: Understanding Practices and Perceptions to Inform Mobile Applications (Team Deprew Fusion, i3)
  • Understanding Ways to Increase Compassion through Teaching Teams at the UC San Diego Campus to Better Serve Student Needs (Peery White, MPH)
  • #Depression: Immigrant College Students' Perceptions of Social Media (Team Dopamine, i3)
  • Content Analysis of Diet and Fitness Tracking Apps (Team Apps)