​Hi, I'm Sarah Gioia.

I am a fourth year PhD Candidate in the department of Biobehavioral Health (BBH) at Penn State University, studying under the guidance of Dr. Joshua Rosenberger.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

I study perceived discrimination in healthcare affecting sexual minority individuals and people of color. My research explores how discrimination can best be measured quantitatively, and investigates contextual influences that may foster better patient-provider communication. I also study how these discriminatory experiences shape health behaviors, such as substance use and treatment utilization. 

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

I am a fourth year PhD Candidate in the Department of Biobehavioral Health at Penn State University. I also hold a B.A. in Psychology from Penn State University.

NON-ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Research Assistant, Office of Program Consultation & Accreditation 
American Psychological Association

Senior Coordinator, Research & Insights 
Advisory Board Company

August 2014 – July 2015
Duties included: projecting annual budget, creating a spending tracking system, providing recommendations for contract renewal and management
July 2015 - June 2016
​Duties included: Creating annual and five-year reports to summarize trends in student outcomes, provide 400+ accredited programs with the programs' successes and areas for improvement with regard to program standards

Legislative Assistant, Public Interest Government Relations
American Psychological Association
June 2016 - July 2017
Duties included: Coordinating congressional briefings, writing and reviewing all internal and public-facing deliverables, team budgeting