Sara Dodd, Ph.D.

Personal Information

Dr. Sara Dodd has directed the outreach, engagement, and research activities of the Center for Adolescent Resiliency (CAR) at Texas Tech University since 2011. She is also an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Human Sciences at Texas Tech.  Her scholarship involves transdisciplinary research and outreach in adolescent development, health, and overall well-being. Dr. Dodd collaborates with faculty and researchers across disciplines and institutions to explore and create innovative approaches to educational and behavioral interventions that promote healthy behaviors and healthy relationships. Human Sciences faculty in multiple departments developing and teaching courses for undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers as Extension educators. She also partners with Extension faculty and staff at land grant institutions to create research and outreach partnerships. Dr. Dodd is the PI for the Community Advocacy Project for Students (sponsored in part by Covenant Health) and the United Future Leaders project (an after-school program for 5th and 6th grade students). 

CV

Research Interests

• Conceptual and theoretical frameworks for health and well-being interventions with adolescents (e.g. Positive Youth Development and Self-determination Theory) 

• Technology applications for dietary behavior and reporting 

• Interventions to promote health-promoting behavioral responses in various domains (nutrition, physical activity, self-leadership, and other factors associated with socio-emotional wellbeing)  

• Best practices for building, leveraging, and optimizing community engagement

Future Research Collaboration Interests

• Dietary behaviors 

• Food literacy 

• Health self-efficacy/motivations