Isabel Martinez Leal, Ph.D.
Department of Behavioral Science, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences
About Isabel Martinez Leal
Dr. Isabel Martinez Leal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioral Science at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her training in cultural anthropology and public health inform her perspective and interests in cancer prevention in which understanding the complex cultural and contextual issues underlying the social determinants of health is essential to the delivery of equitable, culturally congruent and quality care. Her research focuses on enhancing cancer prevention and support and eliminating health disparities among vulnerable groups, specifically, disparities related to tobacco use and dependence among various sub-groups experiencing disadvantage, through addressing the health inequities driving these disparities. Her work has also included increasing lung cancer screening and promoting shared decision-making and equitable, patient-centered care. She is a qualitative research specialist and mixed methods researcher engaged in a team science approach to applying these methods to varied cancer research projects that yield translational, practical findings to guide intervention and implementation strategies.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor, Department of Behavioral Science, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
Community-based research, qualitative and mixed methods, preventing and reducing tobacco-related cancer disparities through implementing and adapting tobacco cessation interventions within community settings
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2014 | University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, US, Thesis: Exploring the Effects of Tibetan Yoga on Patients' Quality of Life and Experience of Lymphoma: an Experimental Embedded Mixed Methods Study, MPH |
| 1999 | Rice University, Houston, Texas, US, Cultural Anthropology, Specialization: Social studies of science. Dissertation: A Map of Life: Social and Epistemological Implications of the Human Genome Project, Ph.D |
| 1991 | Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, US, Thesis: Ethical Implications for Interpretive Anthropology on the Influx of Central American Refugees into the United States, MA |
| 1987 | New School for Social Research, N.Y, New York, New York, US, Cultural - Transferred to Kent State University, Graduate Program |
| 1984 | Rice University, Houston, Texas, US, Cultural Anthropology, BA |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Assistant Professor, Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2022 - 2024
Research Assistant Professor, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 2021 - 2022
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Research Associate II- Health Disparities/Cancer Prevention, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 2020 - 2021
Research Scientist - Social and Behavioral Science - Health Disparities, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 2016 - 2020
Qualitative Research- Consultant-Health Disparities, The University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, Houston, TX, 2015 - 2015
Qualitative Research- Consultant-Health Disparities/Cancer Prevention, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Depart of General Surgery, Center for Healthcare Quality and Safety, Houston, TX, 2013 - 2019
Qualitative Researcher- Consultant- Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2012 - 2015
Associate Researcher-Educational Disparities, MDRC (Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation), Austin, TX, 2005 - 2007
Honors & Awards
| 2022 | Geographical Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program Region 3 Travel Award, $2,500 |
| 2021 | College of Education Staff Excellence Award, University of Houston |
| 2021 | Geographical Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program Region 3 Travel Award, $1,500 |
| 1991 - 1994 | Graduate Minority Fellowships, Rice University Office of Graduate Studies |
| 1987 | Graduate Assistantship, Kent State University |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Siu K, Martinez Leal I, Heredia NI, Foreman JT, Hwang JP. Lifestyle Attitudes and Habits in a Case Series of Patients With Cancer and Metabolic Syndrome. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 2025(0):0, 2025. e-Pub 2025.
- Siddiqi AD, Carter BJ, Britton M, Chen TA, Martinez Leal I, Moosa AB, Williams T, Casey K, Sanchez H, Reitzel LR. Differences in Provider Beliefs and Delivery of the 5As for Cigarette and Non-Cigarette Tobacco Use Between Two Types of Healthcare Centers Serving Rural and/or Medically Underserved Areas of Texas, US. Healthcare 13(3):338, 2025. e-Pub 2025.
- Martinez Leal I, Ashwathy B. Pillai, Jessica T. Foreman, Kimberly W. Siu, Natalia I. Heredia, Carmen P. Escalante, Ellen F. Manzullo, Aimee J. Christie, Tamara E. Lacourt, Zayd Adnan Razouki, Jessica P. Hwang. A Qualitative Study of the Knowledge of Metabolic Syndrome, Attitudes about Lifestyle Modifications, and Preferences for Lifestyle Interventions among Patients with Cancer and Metabolic Syndrome. Cancers(Metabolic Syndrome in Cancer), 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Martinez Leal, I, Balachandran Pillai, A, Foreman, J, Siu, KW, Heredia, N, Escalante, CP, Manzullo, EF, Christie, AJ, Lacourt, TE, Razouki, ZA, Hwang, JP. A Qualitative Study of the Knowledge of Metabolic Syndrome, Attitudes about Lifestyle Modifications, and Preferences for Lifestyle Interventions among Patients with Cancer and Metabolic Syndrome. Cancers 16(18), 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39335119.
- Siddiqi AD, Carter BJ, Chen TA, Martinez Leal I, Britton M, Correa-Fernández V, Rogova A, Kyburz B, Williams T, Reitzel LR. Initial leadership concerns and availability of tobacco cessation services moderate changes in employee-reported concerns about tobacco-free workplace policy implementation over time. Transl Behav Med 14(7):394-401, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38757794.
- Martinez Leal, I, Siddiqi, AD, Rogova, A, Britton, MK, Chen, TA, Williams, T, Casey, K, Sanchez, H, Reitzel, LR. Enablers and Inhibitors to Implementing Tobacco Cessation Interventions within Homeless-Serving Agencies. Cancers 16(11), 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38893280.
- Martinez Leal I, Acquati C, Rogova A, Chen TA, Connors SK, Agrawal P, McNeill LH, Reitzel LR. Negotiating cancer alone: A qualitative study exploring care experiences of racially and ethnically diverse women diagnosed with breast cancer during COVID-19. J Health Psychol 29(5):367-381, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38009435.
- Kakarla, SN, Shabaneh, N, Jafry, MZ, Britton, MK, Rogova, A, Carter, BJ, Chen, TA, Martinez Leal, I, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Reitzel, LR. Total vs Partial Workplace Tobacco Use Bans in Texas Behavioral Health Centers. Health Behavior and Policy Review 11(1):1471-1482, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Rogova, A, Martinez Leal, I, Britton, MK, Chen, TA, Lowenstein, LM, Kyburz, B, Casey, K, Skeene, K, Williams, T, Reitzel, LR. Implementing a tobacco-free workplace program at a substance use treatment center. BMC Health Services Research 24(1), 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38355470.
- Britton M, Rogova A, Chen TA, Martinez Leal I, Kyburz B, Williams T, Patel M, Reitzel LR. Texas Tobacco Quitline Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices within Healthcare Agencies Serving Individuals with Behavioral Health Needs: A Multimethod Study. Prev Med Rep 35:102256, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37752980.
- Jafry, MZ, Martinez, J, Chen, TA, Britton, MK, Martinez Leal, I, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Patel, M, Carter, BJ, Reitzel, LR. Behavioral health care provider's beliefs, confidence, and knowledge in treating cigarette smoking in relation to their use of the 5A's intervention. Addictive Behaviors Reports 17, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37347047.
- Britton, MK, Chen, TA, Martinez Leal, I, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Patel, M, El-Zein, R, Bernicker, EH, Lowenstein, LM, Reitzel, LR. Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility and Referral Practices in Texas Organizations Serving People with Substance Use Disorders. Cancers 15(7), 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37046736.
- Britton, MK, Martinez Leal, I, Jafry, MZ, Chen, TA, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Reitzel, LR. Influence of Provider and Leader Perspectives about Concurrent Tobacco-Use Care during Substance-Use Treatment on Their Tobacco Intervention Provision with Clients. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20(7), 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37047876.
- Carter, BJ, Siddiqi, AD, Chen, TA, Britton, MK, Martinez Leal, I, Correa-Fernandez, V, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Casey, K, Reitzel, LR. Educating Substance Use Treatment Center Providers on Tobacco Use Treatments Is Associated with Increased Provision of Counseling and Medication to Patients Who Use Tobacco. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20(5), 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36901024.
- Britton, M, Chen, TA, Leal M, I, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Patel, M, El-Zein, R, Bernicker, EH, Lowenstein, LM, Reitzel, LR. Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility and Referral Practices in Texas Organizations Serving People with Substance Use Disorders. Cancers 15(7):2023, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Britton, M, Leal M, I, Jafry, M, Chen, TA, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Reitzel, LR. Influence of Provider and Leader Perspectives about Concurrent Tobacco Use Care during Substance Use Treatment on Their Tobacco Intervention Provision with Clients: A Mixed Methods Study. Int. J. Environ. Res 20(7):5260, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Siddiqi AD, Chen TA, Britton M, Martinez Leal I, Carter BJ, Correa-Fernández V, Rogova A, Kyburz B, Williams T, Casey K, Reitzel LR. Changes in Substance Use Treatment Providers' Delivery of the 5A's for Non-Cigarette Tobacco Use in the Context of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program Implementation. Int J Environ Res Public Health 20(3), 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36768097.
- Martinez Leal, I, Njoh, J, Chen, TA, Foreman-Hays, F, Reed, B, Haley, SA, Chavez, K, Reitzel, LR, Obasi, EM. Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine Attitudes among Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Communities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20(4), 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36834067.
- Jafry, MZ, Martinez, J, Chen, TA, Britton, M, Leal M, I, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Patel, M, Carter, BJ, Reitzel, LR. Behavioral Health Care Provider's Beliefs, Confidence, and Knowledge in Treating Cigarette Smoking in Relation to Their Use of the 5A's Intervention. Addictive Behaviors Reports, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Siddiqi, AD, Chen, TA, Britton, M, Leal M, I, Carter, BJ, Correa-Fernández, V, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Casey, K, Reitzel, LR. Changes in Substance Use Treatment Providers’ Delivery of the 5A’s for Non-Cigarette Tobacco Use in the Context of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program Implementation. Int. J. Environ. Res 20(3):2730, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Carter, BJ, Siddiqi, AD, Chen, TA, Britton, M, Leal M, I, Correa-Fernández, V, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Casey, K, Reitzel, LR. Educating Substance Use Treatment Center Providers on Tobacco Use Treatments is Associated with Increased Provision of Counseling and Medication to Patients Who Use Tobacco. Int. J. Environ. Res 20(5):4013, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Taing, M, Le, K, Britton, MK, Chen, TA, Parent, MC, Tami-Maury, IM, Martinez Leal, I, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Patel, M, Reitzel, LR. Smoking Intervention Practices in Texas Healthcare Centers with Sexual and Gender Minority Patients. Health Behavior and Policy Review 9(6):1074-1088, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36778530.
- Jafry MZ, Reuven SM, Britton M, Chen TA, Martinez Leal I, Rogova A, Kyburz B, Williams T, Patel M, Reitzel LR. Providers' Non-Cigarette Tobacco Use Intervention Practices in Relation to Beliefs about Patients, Prioritization of and Skills for Intervention, and Referral Knowledge in Texas Healthcare Centers Providing Care to Persons with Behavioral Health Needs. Int J Environ Res Public Health 19(21), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36361149.
- LoParco, CR, Chen, TA, Martinez Leal, I, Britton, MK, Carter, BJ, Correa-Fernandez, V, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Casey, K, Rogova, A, Lin, HC, Reitzel, LR. Organization-Level Factors Associated with Changes in the Delivery of the Five A’s for Smoking Cessation following the Implementation of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program within Substance Use Treatment Centers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(19), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36231153.
- Siddiqi AD, Britton M, Chen TA, Carter BJ, Wang C, Martinez Leal I, Rogova A, Kyburz B, Williams T, Patel M, Reitzel LR. Tobacco Screening Practices and Perceived Barriers to Offering Tobacco Cessation Services among Texas Health Care Centers Providing Behavioral Health Treatment. Int J Environ Res Public Health 19(15), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35955001.
- Martinez Leal, I, Martinez, J, Britton, MK, Chen, TA, Correa-Fernandez, V, Kyburz, B, Nitturi, V, Obasi, EM, Drenner, K, Williams, T, Casey, K, Carter, BJ, Reitzel, LR. Collaborative Learning. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(13), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35805323.
- Rogova, A, Martinez Leal, I, Britton, MK, Chang, S, Escoto, KH, Williams, KD, Roberson, C, McNeill, LH, Reitzel, LR. Promoting Cancer Health Equity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(12), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35742763.
- Taing, M, Nitturi, V, Chen, TA, Kyburz, B, Martinez Leal, I, Correa-Fernandez, V, Obasi, EM, Williams, T, Casey, K, O'Connor, DP, Koshy, L, Britton, MK, Drenner, K, Reitzel, LR. Implementation and outcomes of a comprehensive tobacco free workplace program in opioid treatment centers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(1), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35010499.
- Taing, M, Le, K, Britton, M, Chen, T A, Parent, M, Tami-Maury, I, Leal M, I, Rogova, A, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Patel, M, Reitzel, L R. Smoking Intervention Practices in Texas Healthcare Centers with Sexual and Gender Minority Patients. Health Behavior and Policy Review 9(6):1074-1088, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Ramclam, A, Taing, M, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Casey, K, Correa-Fernandez, V, Obasi, EM, Martinez Leal, I, Chen, TA, O'Connor, DP, Reitzel, LR. An Epidemic and a Pandemic Collide. Families, Systems and Health 40(1):120-125, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34914487.
- Acquati, C, Chen, TA, Martinez Leal, I, Connors, SK, Haq, AA, Rogova, A, Ramirez, S, Reitzel, LR, McNeill, LH. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care and health-related quality of life of non-Hispanic Black/African American, Hispanic/Latina and non-Hispanic white women diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18(24), 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34948695.
- Nitturi V, Chen TA, Martinez Leal I, Correa-Fernández V, Drenner K, Kyburz B, Williams T, Obasi EM, Britton M, Howard M, Rangel R, Sharp J, Smith S, Reitzel LR. Implementation and Outcomes of a Train-the-Trainer Program at Behavioral Health Treatment Centers as a Mechanism to Maintain Organizational Capacity to Address Tobacco Use Disorder. Int J Environ Res Public Health 18(21), 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34770149.
- Le K, Chen TA, Martinez Leal I, Correa-Fernández V, Obasi EM, Kyburz B, Williams T, Casey K, Taing M, O'Connor DP, Reitzel LR. Organizational Factors Moderating Changes in Tobacco Use Dependence Care Delivery Following a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Intervention in Non-Profit Substance Use Treatment Centers. Int J Environ Res Public Health 18(19), 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34639785.
- Agrawal, P, Chen, TA, McNeill, LH, Acquati, C, Connors, SK, Nitturi, V, Robinson, AS, Martinez Leal, I, Reitzel, LR. Factors associated with breast cancer screening adherence among church-going African American women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18(16), 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34444241.
- Le, K, Chen, TA, Martinez Leal, I, Correa-Fernandez, V, Obasi, EM, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Casey, K, Brown, HA, O'Connor, DP, Reitzel, LR. Organizational-level moderators impacting tobacco-related knowledge change after tobacco education training in substance use treatment centers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18(14), 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34300052.
- Murillo, R, Vazquez, M, Martinez Leal, I, Hernandez, DC, Lu, Q, Reitzel, LR. Perceptions and barriers to physical activity in childhood and adulthood among Latinas. Health Behavior and Policy Review 8(4):294-304, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 35083363.
- Martinez Leal, I, Taing, M, Correa-Fernandez, V, Obasi, EM, Kyburz, B, Le, K, Koshy, L, Chen, TA, Williams, T, Casey, K, O'Connor, DP, Reitzel, LR. Addressing smoking cessation among women in substance use treatment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18(11), 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34072064.
- Connors, SK, Martinez Leal, I, Nitturi, V, Iwundu, CN, Maza, V, Reyes, S, Acquati, C, Reitzel, LR. Empowered choices. American journal of health behavior 45(4):352-370, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33888195.
- Nitturi, V, Chen, TA, Kyburz, B, Martinez Leal, I, Correa-Fernandez, V, O'Connor, DP, Williams, T, Garey, L, Stacey, T, Wilson, WT, Lam, CY, Reitzel, LR. Organizational Characteristics and Readiness for Tobacco-Free Workplace Program Implementation Moderates Changes in Clinician's Delivery of Smoking Interventions within Behavioral Health Treatment Clinics. Nicotine and Tobacco Research 23(2):310-319, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 32832980.
- Hatton, GE, Mueck, KM, Martinez Leal, I, Wei, S, Ko, T, Kao, LS. Timely Care is Patient-Centered Care for Patients with Acute Cholecystitis at a Safety-Net Hospital. World journal of surgery 45(1):72-78, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 32915281.
- Nitturi, V, Chen, TA, Leal M, I, Correa-Fernández, V, Drenner, K, Kyburz, B, Williams, T, Obasi, E, M, Britton, MK, Howard, M, Rangel, R, Sharp, J, Smith, S, Reitzel, LR. Implementation and Outcomes of a Train-the-Trainer Program at Behavioral Health Treatment Centers as a Mechanism to Maintain Organizational Capacity to Address Tobacco Use Disorder. Int. J. Environ. Res 18(21):11635, 2021. e-Pub 2021.
- Agrawal, P, Chen, TA, McNeill, L, H, Acquati, C, Connors, SK, Nitturi V, Robinson, AS, Leal M, I, Reitzel, L, R. Factors Associated with Breast Cancer Screening Adherence among Church-Going African American Women. Int. J. Environ. Res 18(16):8494, 2021. e-Pub 2021.
- Le, K, Correa-Fernández, V, Leal M, I, Kyburz, B, Chen, TA, Barrientos, D, Saenz, E, Williams, T, O’Connor, DP, Obasi, E, M, Casey, K, Reitzel, L, R. Tobacco-free Workplace Program at a Substance Use Treatment Center. American Journal of Health Behavior 44(5):652-665 (5), 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Taing, M, Kyburz, B, Leal M, I, Le, K, Chen, TA, Correa-Fernandez, V, Williams, T, O'Connor, DP, Obasi, E, M, Casey, K, Koshy, L, Reitzel, L, R. Clinician Training in the Adaptation of a Comprehensive Tobacco Free Workplace Program in Agencies Serving the Homeless and Vulnerably Housed. Int. J. Environ. Res 17:6154, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Hatton, GE, Mueck, KM, Leal M, I, Wei, S, Ko, TC, Kao, LS. Timely Care is Patient-Centered Care for Patients with Acute Cholecystitis at a Safety-Net Hospital. World Journal of Surgery 45(1):72-78, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Leal M, I, Chen, TA, Correa-Fernández, V, Le, K, O'Connor, DP, Kyburz, B, Wilson, WT, Williams, T, Reitzel, L, R. Adapting and Evaluating Implementation of a Tobacco-Free Workplace Program in Behavioral Health Centers. American Journal of Health Behavior 44(6):820-839, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Bernardi, K, Shah, P, Lyons, NB, Olavarria, OA, Alawadi, ZM, Leal M, I. Perceptions on gender disparity in surgery and surgical leadership: a multicenter mixed methods study. Surgery 167(4):743-750, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Garey, L, Neighbors, C, Leal M, I, Lam, C, Wilson, WT, Kyburz, B, Stacey, T, Correa-Fernández, V, Williams, T, Zvolensky, MJ, Reitzel, L, R. Tobacco-related Knowledge Following a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program within Behavioral Health Facilities: Identifying Organizational Moderators. Patient Education and Counseling 102(9):1690-6, 2019. e-Pub 2019.
- Hernandez, DC, Reitzel, L, R, Leal M, I. Advancing health behavior research and scholarship through mentorship of first generation, underrepresented undergraduate students. Health Behavior Research 4, 2019. e-Pub 2019.
- Leal, I, Kao, LS, Karanjawala, B, Escamilla, RJ, Ko, TC, Millas, SG. Understanding Patient’s Experiences of Diagnosis and Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancer in a Safety-Net Hospital System: A Qualitative Study. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 61(4):504-513, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Leal, I, Engebretson, J, Cohen, L, Fernandez-Esquer, ME, Lopez, G, Wangyal, T, Chaoul, A. An exploration of the effects of Tibetan Yoga on patients’ psychological wellbeing and experience of lymphoma: an experimental embedded mixed methods study. Journal of Mixed Methods Research 12(1):31-54, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Leal, I, Milbury, K, Engebretson, J, Matin, S, Jonasch, E, Tannir, T, Cohen, L. Interconnection: A Qualitative Analysis of Living with Cancer. Palliative and Supportive Care 28(2):146, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Mueck, K, Leal, I, Wan, CC, Goldberg, BF. Shared decision-making during surgical consultation for gallstones at a safety-net hospital. Surgery 63(4), 2017. e-Pub 2017.
- Fernandez-Esquer, ME, Agoff, MC, Leal, I. Living Sin Papeles: Undocumented Latino Workers Negotiating Life in “Illegality.”. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences 39(1), 2016. e-Pub 2016.
- Alawadi Z, Leal I, Phatak U, Flores J, Holihan J, Karanjawala B, Millas S, Kao L. Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing Enhanced Recovery in Colorectal Surgery at a Safety-Net Hospital: A Patient and Provider Perspective. Surgery, 2015. e-Pub 2015.
- Leal, I, Engebretson, J, Cohen, L, Rodriguez, A, Wangyal, T, Lopez, G, Chaoul, A. Experiences of Paradox: A Qualitative Analysis of Living with Cancer Using a Framework Approach. Psycho-Oncology, 2014. e-Pub 2014.
- Leal, I. Genome Sequencing Consortium. (2001). Initial sequencing and analysis of the human genome 409(6822):860-921, 2001. e-Pub 2001.
- Leal, I. A Map of Life: Social and Epistemological Implications of the Human Genome Project, Doctoral Thesis, Rice University, 1999. e-Pub 1999.
- Leal, I. Sanctuary: Ethical Implications for Interpretive Anthropology on the Influx of Central American Refugees into the United States., M.A. thesis, Kent State University, 1991. e-Pub 1991.
Abstracts
- Carter BJ, Britton M, Chen TA, Leal IM, Siddiqi AD, Williams T, Casey K, Sanchez H, Kakarla S, Reitzel LR. Abstract A091: Beliefs and behaviors regarding non-cigarette tobacco use cessation care differ between providers at substance use treatment centers and community health centers serving rural and/or medically underserved areas of Texas. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention 33, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Kakarla SN, Carter BJ, Siddiqi AD, Britton M, Chen TA, Leal IM, Williams T, Casey K, Sanchez H, Reitzel LR. Abstract A090: Comparing baseline knowledge and attitudes towards tobacco use and cessation among providers at substance use treatment centers and medical healthcare centers in rural and/or medically underserved areas of Texas, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Siddiqi AD, Britton M, Chen TA, Leal IM, Carter BJ, Williams T, Casey K, Skeene K, Sanchez H, Kakarla S, Reitzel LR. Abstract A095: Differences in providers’ perceived preparedness and actual delivery of screening and intervention practices for patients who smoke cigarettes between two types of healthcare centers serving rural and/or medically underserved areas of Texas. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention 33, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Britton M, Kakarla SN, Arora S, Martinez Leal I, Chen TA, Cofer J, Sanchez H, Reitzel LR. Alliances to Combat Tobacco in Organizations Now (Project ACTION): A Funded Study Protocol to Increase Evidence-Based Tobacco Intervention Capacity in LGBTQI+ Community and Healthcare Centers. Health Behavior Research 7(2), 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Britton M, Dey A, Martinez Leal I, Rogova A, Chen TA, Lowenstein LM, Sanchez H, Reitzel LR. Implementation and Dissemination of Project SWITCH (Supporting Workplace Investment in Tobacco Control and Health): A Quality Improvement Study Protocol to Address Tobacco Use, Relapse Prevention, and Secondhand Smoke Exposure at Texas Lung Cancer Screening Centers. Health Behavior Research 7(2), 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Britton M, Le C, Martinez Leal I, Rogova A, Chen TA, Karam-Hage M, Cinciripini PM, Sanchez H, Reitzel LR. Addressing High Tobacco Use Rates at Opioid Treatment Centers Through Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Programming: A Funded Clinical Quality Improvement Study Protocol. Health Behavior Research 7(2), 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Martinez Leal I, Britton M, Dey A, Jafry MZ, Rogova A, Chen TA, Obasi EM, Woodard L, Reitzel LR. Addressing Tobacco-Related and Lung Cancer Inequities Among Black Adults: A Mixed Methods Pilot Project. Health Behavior Research, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Martinez Leal I, Carter BJ, Siddiqi AD, Britton M, Chen TA, Leal IM, Williams T, Casey K, Sanchez H, Reitzel LR. Abstract A090: Comparing baseline knowledge and attitudes towards tobacco use and cessation among providers at substance use treatment centers and medical healthcare centers in rural and/or medically underserved areas of Texas. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention 33, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Le K, Taing M, Britton M, Chen TA, Parent MC, Tami-Maury I, Martinez Leal I, Rogova A, Kyburz B, Williams T, Patel M, Reitzel LR. Tobacco Use Interventions Among Texas Healthcare Centers Providing Behavioral Health Care for Sexual and Gender Minority Patients. Health Behavior Research 6(2):14, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Carter BJ, Britton M, Chen TA, Siddiqi AD, Martinez Leal I, Correa-Fernández V, Rogova A, Kyburz B, Williams T, Casey K, Reitzel LR. Training substance use treatment center providers on tobacco use treatments is associated with increased provision of counseling and pharmacotherapy to tobacco-using patients. Health Behavior Research 6(2):27, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Carter BJ, Chen TA, Britton M, Martinez Leal I, Correa-Fernández V, Rogova A, Kyburz B, Williams T, Casey K, Reitzel LR. Congruent views among substance use treatment center leadership on organizational readiness to implement a tobacco-free workplace program is linked to provider uptake of non-cigarette tobacco use treatment. Cancer Research 83(7):4184, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Siddiqi AD, Britton M, Chen TA, Carter BJ, Wang C, Martinez Leal I, Rogova A, Kyburz B, Williams T, Patel M, Reitzel LR. Tobacco screening practices and perceived barriers in offering tobacco cessation services in the primary prevention of lung cancer among Texas healthcare centers providing behavioral health treatment. Cancer Prevention Research 16(1):P025, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Britton M, Chen TA, Martinez Leal I, Rogova A, Kyburz B, Williams T, Patel M, El-Zein R, Bernicker EH, Reitzel LR. Low-Dose CT Eligibility Screening and Referral Practices in Organizations Serving People with Substance Use Disorders. Health Behavior Research 5(2):55, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Rogova A, Martinez Leal I, Britton M, Chang S, Escoto KO, Solari, Williams KD, Roberson C, McNeill L, Reitzel LR. Promoting Cancer Health Equity: A Qualitative Study of Mentee and Mentor Perspectives of a Training Program for Underrepresented Scholars in Cancer Health Disparities. Health Behavior Research 5(2):8, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Nitturi V, Taing M, Chen TA, Kyburz B, Martinez Leal I, Correa-Fernandez V, Obasi EM, Williams T, Casey K, O’Connor DP, Koshy L, Britton M, Drenner K, Lorraine LR. Implementation and Outcomes of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program in Opioid Treatment Centers in Texas. Health Behavior Research 5(2):19, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Leal M, I, Acquati C, Rogova A, Chen, TA, Connors, SK, Haq, AA, Jacobs, N, Agrawal, P, McNeill, L, H, Reitzel, L, R. Negotiating Cancer Alone: A Qualitative Study Exploring Cancer Care Disruptions among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer during COVID-19. Health Behavior Research 5(2):17, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Machkhas T, Le K, Correa-Fernández V, Kyburz B, Martinez Leal I, Chen TA, et al. Evaluation of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program Implementation within Substance Use Treatment Centers in Texas. Health Behavior Research 3(2):51-52, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Taylor A, Kyburz B, Martinez Leal I, et al. Creating Continuity in Care by Engaging Associated Community Agencies as Part of the Implementation of a Comprehensive Tobacco Free Workplace Program in Substance Use Treatment Clinics in Texas. Health Behavior Research 3(2):54-55, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Nitturi V, Chen TA, Kyburz B, Martinez Leal I, Correa-Fernandez V, O’Connor DP, et al. Organizational Readiness for Tobacco-Free Workplace Program Implementation Moderates Changes in Clinician’s Delivery of Smoking Interventions within Behavioral Health Treatment Centers. Health Behavior Research 3(2):50-51, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Martinez Leal I, Nitturi V, Kyburz B, Le K, Correa-Fernandez V, O’Connor DP, et al. Facilitators to Successful Implementation of a Tobacco-Free Workplace Program in Substance Use Treatment Centers: A Comparative Qualitative Case Study. Health Behavior Research 3(2):46-47, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Le K, Correa-Fernández V, Martinez Leal I, Kyburz B, Barrientos D, Saenz E. The Implementation of a Tobacco-Free Workplace Program at a Community, Non-profit Substance Use Treatment Center: A Case Study. Health Behavior Research 3(2):42-43, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Connors SK, Martinez Leal I, Nitturi V, Maza V, Odoh C, Reyes S, Reitzel LR. A Qualitative Analysis of Factors Influencing African American Women’s Decision-Making Processes and Preferences Regarding Breast Reconstruction: Preliminary Findings. Health Behavior Research 3(2):78, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Martinez Leal I, Kyburz B, Stacey T, Correa-Fernández V, O’Connor DP, Reitzel LR. Implementation and Tailoring of Tobacco Cessation Interventions within Behavioral Health Centers:. Health Behavior Research 2(2):26-7, 2019. e-Pub 2019.
- Reitzel LR, Le K, Kyburz B, O’Connor DP, Stacey T, Martinez Leal I, Correa-Fernandez V. A Comparison of Knowledge Gained from Online Versus In-person Delivery of Tobacco Dependence Education within Behavioral Health Centers. Health Behavior Research 2019(2):26, 2019. e-Pub 2019.
- Alawadi Z, Martinez Leal I, Flores J, Holihan J, Kao L, Ko TC, Liang MK. Underserved Patients Seeking Care for Ventral Hernias at a Safety Net Hospital: Impact on Quality of Life and Expectations of Treatment. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 224(1):26-34, 2017. e-Pub 2017.
- Alawadi Z, Flores J, Martinez Leal I, Putnam L, Holihan J, Kao L, Ko TC, Liang MK. Patients and their Ventral Hernias: Impact on Quality of Life and Expectations of Treatment. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2015. e-Pub 2015.
- Alawadi Z, Phatak U, Martinez Leal I, Karanjawala B, Millas S, Holihan J, Ko TC, Kao L. Implementation of Best Practices in Colorectal Surgery at a Safety-Net Hospital: Facilitators and Barriers. Gastroenterology 146(5):1024, 2014. e-Pub 2014.
- Martinez Leal I, Engebretson J, Cohen L, Rodriguez A, Wangyal T, Lopez G, Chaoul A. An Exploration of the Effects of Tibetan Yoga on Patient's Quality of Life and Experience of Lymphoma: An Experimental Embedded Mixed Methods Study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 20(5):A133-A133, 2014. e-Pub 2014.
- Martinez Leal I, Engebretson J, Cohen L, Chaoul MA. Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of the Effects of Tibetan Yoga (TY) on Patients’ Quality of Life and Experience of Lymphoma. Psychosomatic Medicine 76(3):A118-A118, 2014. e-Pub 2014.
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2024. Baseline Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Tobacco Cessation Among Rural Texas Healthcare Providers in Medical Healthcare Centers and Substance Use Treatment Centers. Poster. The annual MD Anderson Cancer Center’s CATALYST Poster Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. Associations between comprehensive versus less restrictive tobacco-free workplace policies in behavioral health treatment centers in Texas and policy communication, enforcement, and awareness. Poster. 2024 MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Education Week Poster Competition. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Enhancing Policy Effectiveness: Examining the Rollout of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Policy within Homeless-Serving Agencies and the Impact of Education Receipt. Poster. MD Anderson’s 2023 Summer Experience Poster Exhibition. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. Perception and barriers to physical activity among Latina adults. Poster. 2021 Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences Research Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2020. Implementation of a comprehensive tobacco free workplace program in agencies serving the homeless and vulnerably housed. Poster. 2020 Annual Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences Research Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2023. Implementation and outcomes of a comprehensive tobacco-free workplace program in agencies serving women with unmet social, economic, and behavioral health needs. Poster. Innovations in Cancer Prevention and Research Conference. Galveston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Using the Organizational Readiness to Change Theory to Understand the Implementation of a Tobacco-Cessation Program in Homeless-Serving Agencies: A Qualitative Study. Poster. Innovations in Cancer Prevention and Research Conference. Galveston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Evaluating the Implementation and Dissemination of a Tobacco-free Workplace Program in Homeless-serving Agencies. Poster. Innovations in Cancer Prevention and Research Conference. Galveston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Implementing a Tobacco-Free Policy at a Substance Use Treatment Center: Challenges and Successes. Poster. Innovations in Cancer Prevention and Research Conference. Galveston, Texas, US.
- 2021. Implementation of a comprehensive tobacco free workplace program in homeless-serving community agencies in Texas. Poster. University of Houston’s annual Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences Research Symposium (PHLS). Houston, Texas, US.
- 2017. Poster, Factors Impacting Tobacco Cessation in Behavioral Health Facilities: A Qualitative Analysis. Invited. Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Austin, TX, US.
- 2017. Poster presentation, Tobacco Dependence Education for Staff and Clinicians at Behavioral Health Centers: Knowledge Gained and Lessons Learned. Invited. Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Austin, TX, US.
National Presentations
- 2025. Providers’ beliefs, perceived skill, and perception of organizational norms relate to their delivery of cigarette smoking intervention to patients seen in healthcare centers serving rural and medically underserved areas of Texas. Poster. Annual American Association for Cancer Research conference. Chicago, Illinois, US.
- 2025. Implementation and Dissemination of The WORTH (Women-serving Organizations Rallying for Tobacco-free Health) Program: A Funded Quality Improvement Study Protocol to Address Evidence-Based Tobacco Capacity in Women-Serving Organizations. Poster. the annual American Academy of Health Behavior Scientific Meeting. San Diego, California, US.
- 2025. Providers’ Beliefs, Perceived Skill, and Perception of Organizational Norms Relate to Their Non-Cigarette Tobacco Intervention Delivery to Patients Seen in Healthcare Centers Serving Rural and Medically Underserved Areas of Texas. Poster. 2025 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. New Orleans, Louisiana, US.
- 2025. hared Decision Making for Lung Cancer Screening: Behavioral Health Professionals’ Role in Improving Care. Poster. Annual Meeting of the Society for Medical Decision Making. Ann Arbor, Michigan, US.
- 2024. Differences in providers’ perceived preparedness and actual delivery of screening and intervention practices for patients who smoke cigarettes between two types of healthcare centers serving rural and/or medically underserved areas of Texas. Poster. The 17th American Association for Cancer Research Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved. Los Angeles, California, US.
- 2024. Comparing Baseline Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Tobacco Use and Cessation Among Providers at Substance Use Treatment Centers and Medical Healthcare Centers in Rural and/or Medically Underserved Areas of Texas. Poster. The 17th American Association for Cancer Research Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved. Los Angeles, California, US.
- 2024. Beliefs and behaviors regarding non-cigarette tobacco use cessation care differ between providers at substance use treatment centers and community health centers serving rural and/or medically underserved areas of Texas. Poster. The 17th American Association for Cancer Research Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved. Los Angeles, California, US.
- 2024. Alliances to Combat Tobacco in Organizations Now (Project ACTION): A Funded Study Protocol to Increase Evidence-Based Tobacco Intervention Capacity in LGBTQI+ Community and Healthcare Centers. Poster. Annual American Academy of Health Behavior Meeting. Savannah, Georgia, US.
- 2024. Implementation and Dissemination of Project SWITCH (Supporting Workplace Investment in Tobacco Control and Health): A Quality Improvement Study Protocol to Address Tobacco Use, Relapse Prevention, and Secondhand Smoke Exposure at Texas Lung Cancer Screening Centers. Poster. Annual American Academy of Health Behavior Meeting. Savannah, Georgia, US.
- 2024. Addressing High Tobacco Use Rates at Opioid Treatment Centers through Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Programming: A Funded Clinical Quality Improvement Study Protocol. Poster. Annual American Academy of Health Behavior Meeting. Savannah, Georgia, US.
- 2024. Evaluating beliefs and perceived competence about tobacco cancer prevention practices in Texas local mental health authorities. Poster. Annual AACR Meeting. San Diego, California, US.
- 2024. Addressing Tobacco-Related and Lung Cancer Inequities Among Black Adults: A Mixed Methods Pilot Project. Poster. Annual American Academy of Health Behavior Scientific Meeting. Savannah, Georgia, US.
- 2023. The Interaction Between Employees’ and Leaders’ Concerns About a Tobacco-Free Workplace Policy Implemented at Substance Use Treatment Centers. Invited. Poster presentation at the Rice Undergraduate Research Symposium. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. Congruent views among substance use treatment center leadership on organizational readiness to implement a tobacco-free workplace program is linked to provider uptake of non-cigarette tobacco use treatment. Poster. 2023 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. Orlando, Florida, US.
- 2023. A Qualitative Study of Tobacco Quitline Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices within Healthcare Settings in Texas that Treat Patients with Behavioral Health Conditions. Invited. Poster accepted for presentation at the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco 2023 Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2023. Impact of provider perspectives about concurrent tobacco and substance use care on the delivery of tobacco treatment within agencies providing substance use care: A mixed methods study. Invited. Oral presentation at the annual meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2023. Addressing the Complex Web of Relationships in Treating Tobacco and Other Substance Use. Invited. Oral presentation at the annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology. Cincinnati, OH, US.
- 2023. Associations Between Tobacco-free Workplace Policies in Behavioral Health Treatment Centers in Texas and Employee Beliefs and Center Practices on Tobacco Treatment. Invited. Poster accepted for presentation at the annual meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2023. Tobacco Use Interventions Among Texas Healthcare Centers Providing Behavioral Health Care for Sexual and Gender Minority Patients. Invited. Poster accepted for presentation at the American Academy of Health Behavior Scientific Meeting. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2023. Texas Tobacco Quitline Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices within Behavioral Healthcare Settings. Invited. Poster presentation at the 2023 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2023. Changes in Substance Use Treatment Providers’ Delivery of the 5A's for Noncigarette Tobacco Use in the Context of the Implementation of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program. Invited. Poster presentation at the 2023 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2023. Workplace-level provider factors associated with greater uptake of a tobacco-free workplace intervention within substance use treatment centers. Invited. Poster presented at the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco 2023 Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2023. Providers’ Non-cigarette Tobacco Use Intervention Practices in Relation to Their Beliefs, Perceived Skills, and Referral Knowledge in Texas Healthcare Centers Providing Behavioral Health Services. Invited. Poster accepted for presentation at the annual meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2023. Associations between comprehensive versus less restrictive tobacco-free workplace policies in behavioral health treatment centers in Texas and policy communication, enforcement, and awareness. Poster. 2023 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. San Antonio, Texas, US.
- 2023. Associations between tobacco-free workplace policies in behavioral health treatment centers in Texas and employee beliefs and center practices on tobacco treatment. Poster. 2023 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. San Antonio, Texas, US.
- 2022. How do provider perspectives about concurrent tobacco and other substance use care impact delivery of tobacco treatment within agencies providing substance use care?. Invited. Poster presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology 2022 Summer Psychology Forum. Minneapolis, Minnesota, US.
- 2022. Building Organizational Capacity and Expertise to Treat Tobacco Dependence within Behavioral Health Treatment Centers: A Qualitative Study of “Champion” Trainees’ Perspectives of a Train-the-Trainer Program. Invited. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence. Minneapolis, MN, US.
- 2022. Negotiating Cancer Alone: A Qualitative Study Exploring Cancer Care Disruptions among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer during COVID-19. Invited. Poster presented at the American Academy of Health Behavior. Key Largo, FL, US.
- 2022. Implementation and Outcomes of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program in Opioid Treatment Centers in Texas. Invited. Poster presented at the American Academy of Health Behavior. Key Largo, FL, US.
- 2022. Promoting Cancer Health Equity: A Qualitative Study of Mentee and Mentor Perspectives of a Training Program for Underrepresented Scholars in Cancer Health Disparities. Invited. Oral presentation at the American Academy of Health Behavior. Key Largo, FL, US.
- 2022. Implementation of a Train-the-Trainer Program at Behavioral Health Treatment Centers as a Mechanism to Maintain Organizational Capacity to Address Tobacco Use Following Participation in a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program. Invited. Poster presented virtually at the annual meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2022. Statewide Assessment of Tobacco-Free Policies and Evidence-Based Practices in Texas Agencies Providing Substance Use Treatment. Invited. Poster presented virtually at the annual meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2022. Low-Dose CT Eligibility Screening and Referral Practices in Organizations Serving People with Substance Use Disorders. Invited. Poster presentation American Academy of Health Behavior. Key Largo, FL, US.
- 2021. Organizational-Level Moderators Impacting Tobacco-Related Knowledge Change and Clinician Behavior Change after Implementation of a Tobacco-Free Workplace Program. Invited. Oral presentation for the New York Academy of Medicine 2021 Annual Medical Student Forum (Virtual), US.
- 2021. An epidemic and a pandemic collide: Addressing tobacco dependence at COVID-19 protective lodging NatCon21 annual conference of the National Council for Behavioral Health. Poster. Online, US.
- 2020. Evaluation of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program Implementation within Substance Use Treatment Centers in Texas. Invited. Poster to be presented at the 2020 Annual American Academy of Health Behavioral Conference, Napa, CA. (Cancelled due to COVID-19). Napa, CA, US.
- 2020. The Implementation of a Tobacco-Free Workplace Program at a Community, Non-profit Substance Use Treatment Center: A Case Study. Invited. A Case Study. Poster to be presented at the 2020 Annual American Academy of Health Behavioral Conference, Napa, CA. (Cancelled due to COVID-19). Napa, CA, US.
- 2020. A Qualitative Analysis of Factors Influencing African American Women’s Decision-Making Processes and Preferences Regarding Breast Reconstruction: Preliminary Findings. Invited. Poster to be presented at the 2020 Annual American Academy of Health Behavioral Conference, Napa, CA. (Cancelled due to COVID-19). Napa, CA, US.
- 2020. Organizational Readiness for Tobacco-Free Workplace Program Implementation Moderates Changes in Clinician’s Delivery of Smoking Interventions within Behavioral Health Treatment Centers. Invited. Poster to be presented at the 2020 Annual American Academy of Health Behavioral Conference, Napa, CA. (Cancelled due to COVID-19). Napa, CA, US.
- 2020. Creating Continuity in Care by Engaging Associated Community Agencies as Part of the Implementation of a Comprehensive Tobacco Free Workplace Program in Substance Use Treatment Clinics in Texas. Invited. Poster to be presented at the 2020 Annual American Academy of Health Behavioral Conference, Napa, CA. (Cancelled due to COVID-19). Napa, CA, US.
- 2020. Facilitators to Successful Implementation of a Tobacco-Free Workplace Program in Substance Use Treatment Centers: A Comparative Qualitative Case Study. Invited. Poster to be presented at the 2020 Annual American Academy of Health Behavioral Conference, Napa, CA. (Cancelled due to COVID-19). Napa, CA, US.
- 2019. Changing policy and practice in substance use treatment clinics through the implementation of a tailored, comprehensive tobacco free workplace program. Invited. Poster presented, the Society for Implementation Research Collaboration 5th Biennial Conference. Seattle, WA, US.
- 2019. Perceptions and Barriers to Physical Activity among Latino Adults. Poster. 2019 American Association for Cancer Research Conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved. San Francisco, California, US.
- 2019. Implementation and Tailoring of Tobacco Cessation Interventions within Behavioral Health Centers: A Qualitative Analysis. Invited. Poster presented at the American Academy of Health Behavior. Greenville, SC, US.
- 2019. A Comparison of Knowledge Gained from Online Versus In-person Delivery of Tobacco Dependence Education within Behavioral Health Centers. Poster. Greenville, South Carolina, US.
- 2019. A comparison of knowledge gained from online versus in-person delivery of tobacco dependence education within behavioral health centers. Poster. American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB) conference. Greenville, South Carolina, US.
- 2019. Leading Policy and Practice Changes via the Implementation of a Comprehensive Tobacco Free Workplace Program in Behavioral Health Clinics across Texas. Conference presentation. Invited. Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Conference. Washington, DC, US.
- 2018. A Comprehensive, Evidence-based Model to Reduce Tobacco Use among Individuals with Behavioral Health Disorders. Invited. Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, Annual Conference for Behavioral Health, Manhattan, KS. Workshop presentation. Manhattan, KS, US.
- 2018. Implementing tobacco-free workplace programs: Changing norms, improving care, saving lives. Invited. Poster presented at the National Council for Behavioral Health Conference. Washington, DC, US.
- 2018. Taking Texas Tobacco Free: Changes in Clinician Behavior Following the Implementation of a Multicomponent Tobacco Free Workplace Intervention at a Behavioral Health Clinics in Texas. Invited. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Conference. Poster presentation. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2015. Underserved Patients Seeking Care for Ventral Hernias at a Safety Net Hospital: Impact on Quality of Life and Expectations of Treatment. Invited. Received an Excellence in Research Award, Category: General Surgery/Hernia at the American College of Surgeons 101st Clinical Congress, Scientific Forum. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2014. Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing Enhanced Recovery in Colorectal Surgery at a Safety-Net Hospital: A Patient and Provider Perspective. Invited. Chicago, IL, US.
International Presentations
- 2025. Examining Provider Cancer Prevention Practices in Healthcare Centers Serving Rural and Medically Underserved Areas of Texas, USA, and Their Relationship to Social Cognitive Theory Factors to Address Non-Cigarette Tobacco Use Disparities. Poster. Cancer Prevention Research Conference 2025. London, GB.
- 2024. Enhancing Policy Effectiveness: Examining the Rollout of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Policy Within Homeless-Serving Agencies and the Impact of Education Receipt. Poster. 2024 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Edinburgh, GB.
- 2024. Helping Everyone Achieve a Lifetime of Health–Future Addictions Scientist Training (HEALTH–FAST): Outcomes of a Training Program in Tobacco and Other Substance Use Health Equity Science. Poster. 2024 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Edinburgh, GB.
- 2024. Evaluating the Implementation and Dissemination of a Tobacco-free Workplace Program in Homeless-serving Agencies. Poster. 2024 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Edinburgh, GB.
- 2024. The Impact of Over-Time Alterations in Organizational Readiness to Change on Tobacco-Cessation Program Implementation in Agencies Serving Unhoused People: A Qualitative Study. Poster. 2024 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Edinburgh, GB.
- 2024. Evaluating the Effects of a Tobacco-Free Workplace Program on Provider Beliefs about Client Tobacco Use and Self-Efficacy to Intervene at Texas Homeless-Serving Agencies. Poster. 2024 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Edinburgh, GB.
- 2024. Evaluating the implementation of a tobacco-free workplace program in in agencies serving women with unmet social, economic, and behavioral health needs in Texas. Poster. 2024 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Annual Meeting. Edinburgh, GB.
- 2018. Implementation of tobacco training within mental health centers: Clinician and staff change in tobacco use knowledge. Poster. 18th annual meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco-Europe. Munich, DE.
- 2014. Poster presentation, An Explanation and Exploration of The Effects of Tibetan Yoga on Patient’s Quality of Life and Experience of Lymphoma: A Mixed Methods Approach. Invited. International Research Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health Conference. Miami, US.
- 2014. An Explanation and Exploration of The Effects of Tibetan Yoga on Patient’s Quality of Life and Experience of Lymphoma: A Mixed Methods Approach. Poster. International Research Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health Conference. Miami, US.
- 2013. Experiences of Paradox: A Qualitative Analysis of Living with Cancer Using a Framework Approach. Poster. Society for Integrative Oncology Conference. Vancouver, CA.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2025 - 2030 |
| Title: | Enhancing Cervical Cancer Screening, Follow-up and Outcomes among Sub-saharan African Immigrant Women |
| Funding Source: | University of Texas at Arlington (NIH) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R01CA293926-01A1 |
| Date: | 2024 - 2029 |
| Title: | Supporting Tobacco-Related Ongoing Education and Research (STRONGER) Scholar Program |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 1R25DA059907 |
| Date: | 2024 - 2029 |
| Title: | Preventing Tobacco-Related Cancers by Expanding Capacity for Tobacco Use Interventions Within Agencies Serving Women with Behavioral Health Needs |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| ID: | PP240005 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2026 |
| Title: | Title: Taking Texas Tobacco Free: Dissemination to and Implementation within Centers Serving Texans who Identify as LGBTQ+ |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | PP230003 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2026 |
| Title: | Implementation and Dissemination of an Evidence-Based Intervention to Increase Tobacco Treatment Capacity in Opioid Treatment Programs |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | PP230078 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2026 |
| Title: | Taking Texas Tobacco Free: Dissemination to and Implementation within Lung Cancer Screening Programs |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | PP230002 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2022 |
| Title: | Smoking Cessation Medications: Knowledge, Experience, Concerns, and Barriers to Use among Behavioral Health Clients |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIMH |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | U54MD015946 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2023 |
| Title: | Mitigating the Effects of Systemic Racism and Misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Funding Source: | Centers for Disease Control (CDC) |
| Role: | Qualitative Scientist |
| ID: | CDC-RFA-OT21-2103 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2023 |
| Title: | Mitigating the effects of systemic racism during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Funding Source: | Centers for Disease Control (CDC) |
| Role: | Key |
| ID: | CDC-RFA-OT21-2103 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2024 |
| Title: | Addressing tobacco-related and lung cancer inequities among Black adults: A mixed methods pilot project |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| ID: | U54MD015946-03S1 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2024 |
| Title: | Addressing tobacco-related and lung cancer inequities among Black adults: A mixed methods pilot project |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIDA |
| Role: | Multiple PI |
| ID: | U54MD015946-03S1 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2023 |
| Title: | Interagency Cooperation Contract: DP20-2001 Behavioral Health Project |
| Funding Source: | Department of State Health Services |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | HHS000961900001 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2024 |
| Title: | Taking Texas Tobacco Free: Dissemination to and Implementation within Agencies Serving Texans Experiencing Homelessness |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | PP210026 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2026 |
| Title: | Taking Texas Tobacco Free among Substance Users within Community-based Healthcare Settings in Rural and Medically Underserved Areas Across Texas |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | PP210003 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2023 |
| Title: | Investigating SARS-COV-2 Vaccine Hesitancy in Houston |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIMHD |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | U54MD015946-02S1 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2023 |
| Title: | Investigating SARS-C0V-2 Vaccine Hesitancy in Houston |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NIMH |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | 3U54MD015946-02S1 |
| Date: | 2021 - 2022 |
| Title: | Interagency Cooperation Contract: P20-2001 Behavioral Health Project |
| Funding Source: | Department of State Health Services/CDC |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | HHS000961900001/ NU58DP006805 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2022 |
| Title: | The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Care and Health Related Quality of Life of Racial and Ethnic Minority Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | P20 CA221697-04S1 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2022 |
| Title: | Taking Texas Tobacco Free through a Sustainable Education Training Program Designed for Personnel Addressing Tobacco Control in Behavioral Health Settings |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | PP200051 |
| Date: | 2018 - 2020 |
| Title: | A Patient-Centered Approach to Exploring Breast Reconstruction in African American Women |
| Funding Source: | University of Houston/University of Houston-Downtown Synergy Grants |
| Role: | Qualitative Scientist |
| Date: | 2017 - 2021 |
| Title: | Taking Texas Tobacco Free: Increasing Tobacco Cessation in Substance Use Treatment Centers via an Evidence-based, Comprehensive Tobacco-free Workplace Program |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Qualitative Scientist |
| ID: | PP170070 |
| Date: | 2016 - 2018 |
| Title: | Statewide Dissemination of the Taking Texas Tobacco Free Workplace Program |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | Qualitative Scientist |
| ID: | PP160081 |
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified April 17, 2025