As an Assistant Professor of Digital Media, I research communication genetics and heritable media behaviors shared between/expressed among parents and children, family communication, and technology selection and media effects between parents and children. Specifically interested in video game behaviors of parents and children, the effects of shared gaming experiences, and the biological and psychological motivations preceding gameplay.

While completing my Doctoral studies at Kent State University, I studied family communication with a focus on how children discuss and explain cultural topics to their parents. My dissertation focused on behaviors and attitudes of parents toward video games and how parents and children form decisions about which games are appropriate and suitable to be played at home. 

I also research behavioral genetics, through twin studies, to understand how parents pass down traits and behaviors to their kids. 

Previously, I’ve researched the identities of Muslim women in the Western World and how social media can be used to express religious identity, create virtual bonds and connections, and enhance women's sense of self.

Family communication and media selection within families of adolescent children; Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS); Media psychology; Behavioral and molecular genetics; Social learning theory and cognition, including cognitive dissonance; Reasoned action and planned behavior theory; Interpersonal interactions within parent-child communication; Computer networks, computational social sciences, and temporal networks; quantitative and qualitative research.