About
Dr. Adams is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, a Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) and a Certified Yoga Therapist (I-AYT). They holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Master of Science in Youth and Family Recreation (emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation), and a PhD in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a cognate area in Clinical and Translational Research. Dr. Adams’s research encompasses both the prevention of and recovery from violence and trauma, and the intersection of trauma-informed healthcare and culturally affirming health care. They currently serve as co-chair for the Society of Behavioral Medicine Violence and Trauma Special Interest Group and were named an Academy on Violence and Abuse Scholar from 2020-2022, and a 2022-2023 Fellow for Diversity Institute for Emerging Leaders.
Visit Dr. Adams' Department Profile.
How is their research transforming health care?
One in four women experience extreme physical violence by an intimate partner. The prevention of intimate partner violence occurs at multiple levels, including the individual, relational, community, and societal. My research focuses on an integrative approach to the prevention and rehabilitation from violence and trauma, including reducing barriers to accessing healthcare and support, and promoting trauma-informed care and cultural affirming practices in community-based recreation settings. Additionally, recent work over the past decade has highlighted the role that physical activity and mind-body interventions can play in regulating emotions and recovering from trauma. Recreational therapists are positioned to play an integral role in the treatment of trauma through activity-based interventions both within healthcare systems, and across the continuum of care into community settings.
Health Research Keywords
Faculty Scholar, Intimate partner violence; gender-based violenc; health equity and disparities; trauma-informed care; culturally affirming care; somatic and mind-body approaches; quality improvement; recreational therapy; community action research; mental health; substance use disorders; health care simulation; health care education
