Many patients experience cognitive difficulties, including problems with attention, concentration, and memory at some point following a cancer diagnosis.  Several factors contribute to these changes in cognitive function. For example, fatigue, feeling stressed or anxious, and hormonal changes can each impact cognitive function. Specific cancer treatments may also be associated with cognitive changes.  My research has been funded by the Department of Defense and National Cancer Institute and focuses on understanding the causes of cancer-related cognitive change and the impact of these cognitive difficulties on quality of life.  My goal is to implement a systematic program of research examining psychosocial, biological, and clinical factors that contribute to adverse changes in cognitive function, and to develop interventions to improve cognitive outcomes and quality of life for patients and survivors.

Related Areas of Research Interest
Stress, Coping and Cognitive Function
Cognition and Emotion
Survivor Quality of Life
Young Adult Survivorship
Peer-support