Welcome to the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies (CHIBPS)
The Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies (CHIBPS) conducts cutting-edge behavioral research in the synergistic areas of HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, and mental health. We situate ourselves at the hyphen of theory-practice and conduct research informed by mixed methodologies with and for the communities affected by these forces.
Our work is centered on the biopsychosocial paradigm, and is informed by health & prevention models, development & counseling theories, as well as public and health policies, with an underlying understanding that our stakeholders hold multiple identities (i.e., sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, and, socioeconomic status). All of our research has been funded by both public and private sources.
Because the dynamics underlying HIV and drug abuse prevention are constantly shifting, our research has focused longitudinal studies, studies that follow the same group of people over time. We do this to better understand how cultural, social and historical variables influence health behaviors
To these endeavors we bring a team of highly able scholars from the fields of psychology, public health, public administration, and social work. On an annual basis we work with numerous students from a variety of fields who function as interns to the projects that we undertake with our community partners in order to develop the next generation of scholars who are committed to the principles of CHIBPS.
We collaborate on our projects with numerous agencies including: The Mind-Body Center at NYU Medical, the NYU Medical Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Harlem United, Gay Men's Health Crisis, The LGBT Community Center, and St. Vincent’s Hospital.
CHIBPS provides internship and/or fieldwork placements for approximately 10-15 students per year.
The CHIBPS Team:
Name | Title | |
Director | ||
| Melvin Hampton, M.Div. | Research Assistant | mch353@nyu.edu |
| Sandra Kupprat, M.S., M.A., LMHC | Project Director | sandra.kupprat@nyu.edu |
Ashley Manasse, B.S. | Research Assistant | |
Rob Moeller, Ed.M. | Project Director | |
Paris Mourgues, LMSW | Associate Director | |
| James Pollock, MS.Ed . | Research Assistant | jpollock@nyu.edu |
Daniel Siconolfi, MPH ** | Assistant Project Director (Intern Contact) | |
Todd Solomon, B.S. | Research Assistant | |
Perry N Halkitis, Ph.D., M.S., is Associate Dean for Research & Doctoral Studies, Professor of Applied Psychology and Public Health, and Director of the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies at the Steinhardt School, New York University. Dr. Halkitis is also a research affiliate of the Center for AIDS Research at New York University Medical School. Prior to his current positions, Dr. Halkitis was Director of Research at GMHC. Dr. Halkitis earned his degree in Quantitative Methods in Educational and Psychological Research from the Graduate Center of The City University of New York. He is internationally recognized for his work examining the intersection between the HIV, drug abuse, and mental health syndemics, and is well known as one of the nation’s leading experts on methamphetamine addiction. He recently was lead editor of two volumes: HIV + Sex: The Psychological and Interpersonal Dynamics of HIV-seropositive Gay and Bisexual Men's Relationships. (American Psychological Association, 2005), and Barebacking: Psychosocial and Public Health Perspectives (2006, Haworth Press). Dr. Halkitis is currently authoring Methamphetamine: A Biopsychosocial Perspective (APA). Dr. Halkitis’ research examines how risk taking is influenced by interpersonal, interpersonal, contextual and cultural factors, especially with regard to the HIV epidemic and drug abuse in the United Sates, and this research has been funded by the National institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York City Department of Health, New York State AIDS Institute, United Way, and American Psychological Foundation. The focus of his research involves health, human behavior, and development, with a specific application to the domains of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. Dr. Halkitis has been able to address some of most important social and public health issues of our time. These areas of inquiry are extremely important, because while primarily rooted in the principles of psychology, they also cross and incorporate the domains of education and health. In addition, Dr. Halkitis is a well-respected applied statistician and psychometrician. Dr. Halkitis is recipient of numerous awards from both professional and community-based organizations, and was elected a fellow of The New York Academy of Medicine in 2005.
Melvin Hampton, M.Div
Melvin (Buddy) Hampton recieved his A.B. in Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard University and his Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling from Harvard Divinity School. Mr. Hampton is currently pursuing his Ph.D . from New York University in Counseling Psychology.
Sandra Kupprat, MS, MA, LMHC
Sandra Kupprat received her B.A. in Psychology from the SUNY Geneseo, her M.S. in Human Resource Management at New York Institute of Technology and her M.A. in Counseling & Guidance from New York University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and is the co-chair of the Metro-NY regional chapter of the New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) . She also is on the board of the Baruch Computer Center for Visually Impaired People (BCCVIP). Her work at CHIBPS includes a study on HIV-positive women, an evaluation of lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender training and HIV-testing strategies for African American men-who-have-sex-with-men. Her interests include advocacy work, counseling people with HIV/AIDS & disabilities, career counseling and career development.
Ashley Manasse, BS
Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology at New York University. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in NYU's Mental Health and Wellness program for counseling. She is currently working as a research assistant and project director. One of her primary job functions is to assist the associate director in day-to-day activities at CHIBPS. Her current research interests include LGBT studies, women’s experiences and research issues, and sexual health.
Robert Moeller, Ed.M.
Mr. Moeller received his Bachelors degree from Cornell University in Human Development and his Masters degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University. Mr. Moeller is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from New York University in Developmental Psychology. Mr. Moeller has served as project diretor for Project MASC (Methamphetamine and Social Cognition) and is currently working on Project DESIRE. His research focuses on: HIV and substance use.
Paris Mourgues, LMSW
Mr. Mourgues received his BA in Psychology from New Jersey City University and his Masters degree in Social Work from New York University. Mr. Mourgues is responsible for the day-to-day operations at CHIBPS in his role as Associate Director.
James Pollock, MSEd
Mr. Pollock received his B.A. degree from Kalamazoo College in Psychology and his Master’s degree in Childhood Education from Lehman College , City University of New York. Mr. Pollock is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from New York University in Counseling Psychology. His research focuses on sexual behavior and negotiated safety. His clinical focus is in sexual minority, affirmative individual and couples counseling. Mr. Pollock will serve as a Research Assistant to the project.
Daniel Siconolfi, MPH
Mr. Siconolfi received his Master's in Public Health (MPH) from New York University, after receiving his B.A. in Gender & Sexuality Studies from NYU. His research interests include: gay men's health, HIV prevention, and masculinity. Mr. Siconolfi serves as the Assistant Project Director for Project Desire.
Todd Solomon, BS
Todd Solomon received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Neuroscience from St. Lawrence University. He is currently a doctoral student in the department of Applied Psychology at New York University and a research assistant at CHIBPS. Before returning to graduate school, Mr. Solomon was the Assistant Director of Clinical Research for the Mind Body Center at NYU’s School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry. His research interests are focused on neuropsychological and behavioral impairments stemming from HIV and substance use.