My research interests are primarily in developing and advancing an ethno-epidemiological framework for understanding Hispanic substance use and abuse. Specifically, my developing research agenda consists of the following three substantive areas: (1) social epidemiology of drug use/abuse, (2)... Read more

My research interests are primarily in developing and advancing an ethno-epidemiological framework for understanding Hispanic substance use and abuse. Specifically, my developing research agenda consists of the following three substantive areas: (1) social epidemiology of drug use/abuse, (2) contemporary suburban drug subcultures via a social organization of risk behavior(s) framework, and (3) qualitative research methods and design (i.e. participant-observation, life-history/”event” interviews, ethnography, etc). My overall theoretical framework is shaped across the basic tenets of Intersectionality Theory (with an emphasis on Hispanic cultural dynamics), Social Action Theory, and Ethno-Epidemiology. Although not a “typical” theoretical framework among general criminologists, my research interests are in developing empirically grounded models which illuminate and enhance our understanding of certain pathways connecting environments, risky-behaviors, and overall health among members of special populations. In particular, individuals who use drugs intravenously (IDUs) represent unique challenges for both public health and criminal justice agencies. Therefore by bridging a public health and criminological perspective; both in terms of theoretical integration and methodological practice, an interdisciplinary approach may very well redefine the way we think about crime prevention, intervention, and its delivery across communities.

Of particular interest, due to recent demographic shifts, are the opportunities embedded in an integrative (multidisciplinary) approach for understanding and explaining Hispanic drug use and abuse. While we have made some advancement in our understanding of illicit drug use in the Hispanic community; although what knowledge has been accumulated has been very milieu specific, i.e. working-class impoverished often violent urban communities. Our knowledge of how such Hispanic social networks evolve, coordinate, contract, and expand within and between urban and suburban communities is lacking. Also, how these social networks are affected by “natural” fluctuations, as created by an increase/decrease importation and/or production of certain illicit drugs, an increase/decrease in law enforcement activities, and/or the introduction of a “new” drug into the “marketplace” and its short-and long-term impact on existing drug markets is poorly understood. For example, although anecdotally, we know the diversion of pharmaceutical opiates has had an impact on “local” heroin-using network members, its range of impact has not been empirically assessed. What are the implications of a “new” opiate market for existing street-level heroin users? How has existing drug-using Hispanic social networks responded to street-level diversion? Also, the introduction and use of amphetamine- type-stimulants (ATS) in particular the use of MDMA/”Ecstasy”, while it is cohort specific its diffusion into and across general, including Hispanic, drug-using social networks has not been systematically assessed. Many of these fluctuations bring about changes to one’s environment; how network members respond to such changes offers a new line of inquiry. Moreover, to what degree, if any, are responses to such changes bounded by one’s gender, race, ethnicity, and social class? Do “cultural scripts” matter in how one negotiates change across environmental, interpersonal, and peer-network levels? In order to assess the extent, nature, and consequences of such changes between existing drug markets and its social network members an integrative (multidisciplinary) focus is required.

Close