Deanna’s research explores the cognitive influences on health decision-making, particularly the role of risk perceptions. Her experience in judgement/decision-making research and social psychology at California State University, Fresno led her to the Health Psychology program at UC Merced in 2017. As a graduate student, Deanna has published a book chapter on the weight management literature and conducted a number of studies on the use of tobacco, marijuana, and e-cigarettes. She has also enjoyed a position as a graduate student researcher at the Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center where she has helped to coordinate and facilitate data collection in numerous California counties. Her future research will continue to examine how context influences choice at the moment health decisions are made.