As a behavioral scientist with public health training, Dr. Harrington’s work utilizes a multi-method, multi-dimensional strategy comprised of theory-driven hypothesis development, key formative work, and intervention development, testing, and evaluation to intervene on key social determinants of chronic health. In addition, with regard to addressing health disparities, a significant goal of her research is to identify 1) the influence of race on psychosocial and environmental factors as it relates to chronic illness, and 2) approaches/interventions to address health disparities that consider key social determinants of health. Generally, her research involves identifying/developing and testing interventions to target the cognitive, social, psychological, and behavioral factors that impact chronic disease prevention and progression (including cancer, cancer prevention, asthma, diabetes, and HIV) using innovative methods including community-based approaches (including most recently a school-based asthma study) and mHealth technologies (including most recently a cancer health literacy SMS program [Text2Know]). Her work also includes designing and conducting needs assessments and program evaluations.
