Sonya Brady, PhD, LP

My program of research examines how normative developmental experiences and stressful life experiences can influence health risk behaviors among youth, and how assets of individuals and their families, peers, schools, and communities can promote health protective behaviors. This includes research on mental health and emotional well-being, sexual health, violence exposure, substance use, and health equity. My research utilizes technology to measure and promote health protective behaviors among youth. It also utilizes community partnerships and coalitions to reach diverse communities.

More recently, I have discovered the rewards of applying my teaching interests to advance transdisciplinary science. I am a co-investigator of the ambitious Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium, funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). We are applying a prevention science research paradigm in a domain of health that has traditionally been focused on the detection and treatment of illness. One of my roles is to assist the consortium in developing a conceptual framework to guide the consortium’s etiologic research, as well as future prevention efforts to improve the health of girls and women across the life course.