Dionne Stephens

WELCOME

DR. DIONNE STEPHENS

Professor of Psychology, Florida International University
Intersectional Explorations

Identity ~ Culture ~ Health
Disseminating Research

Across Platforms & Spaces
Lift as You Climb

Creating a Collaborative & Supportive Research Environment For the Next Generation of Scholars

RESEARCH

Exploring the intersections between cultures, contexts and identities to enhance our communities' well- being.

TEACHING

Fostering academic excellence using interdisciplinary approaches and engaged learning environments.

SERVICE

Advancing relationships and building bridges using knowledge, skills and education access.

Research Interest Areas

Drawing from training in human development, women's studies and ethnic studies, my research examines the ways in which culture informs individuals' sexual health decision making processes and outcomes. With a particular focus on the relevance of gender and ethnic/ racial identity development, I have examined intimate partner violence (IPV), sexually transmitted infections (e.g. HPV and HIV/ AIDS), and sexual messaging in popular culture using non- deficit approaches. The results from these works have been disseminated in both academic and community settings.

I strive to ignite students' interests in learning these issues by applying it to their "real life" experiences. This helps students recognize the need to become informed sufficiently so that they can use their education to improve the world they live in. Toward this end, I encourage students to take advantage of research training, study abroad programs, and service learning opportunities to enhance their academic journey. I seek to expand students’ critical skills set so that they engage in creative problem solving.