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Naomi M. Hall-Byers

Position: Associate Professor Department: Psychological Sciences

Contact Info

Office: Phone: 336-750-8800 Fax: 336-750-8650

Biography

Dr. Hall-Byers is an applied social psychologist, with an advanced degree in public health. Her overarching program of research focuses on psychosocial, sociocultural, and contextual factors associated with health disparities and inequities among youth and young adults (YEAs) of African descent. Most recently her work has focused on sexual decision-making and sexual behavior (particularly HIV-related risk behaviors) among African American YEAs with a focus on cultural influences and prevention. Her methodological expertise lies in utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods, often employing mixed methods, to identify potential key mechanisms and pathways of intervention to promote optimal sexual health, STI/HIV prevention, and risk reduction among YEAs. Her academic and professional background is quite diverse, and includes over 15 years of experience providing health education, program planning and development, organizational management, and evaluation training and consulting to non-profits, government agencies, and academic institutions. Dr. Hall-Byers is a visiting professor at the University of California, San Francisco Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, and a Fellow of the American Evaluation Association. She is an alumna of the NIMH/APA Minority Mentoring Program (HIV/AIDS Research Fellow), and the APA Cyber Mentors program. She is currently the Board Chair for LEAD Girls of NC, Inc., a grassroots organization focused on empowering at-risk pre-teen girls in the Piedmont Triad area. She is originally from Detroit, Michigan and is the youngest of nine children.

Educational Background

  • PhD and MA, Applied Social Psychology, Claremont Graduate University
  • MPH, Maternal and Child Health, San Diego State University
  • BS, Health Sciences and Education, California State University East Bay

Research and Project Interests

  • HIV prevention and testing in Black/African American communities
  • Health disparities and inequities
  • Sexual decision-making and behavior
  • Relationship formation/maintenance