Robert MoellerPh.D. Developmental Psychology, New York University
EdM, Human Development and Psychology, Harvard University
BS, Human Development, Cornell University
Part-time Faculty Education Studies
Profile:My work explores the relationship between illicit substance use and HIV infection. I am interested in how urban youth experience race, class, and sexual orientation, and how these interwoven parts of identity influence the trajectory of their sexual and substance use behaviors. The need to reduce HIV infections among vulnerable populations drives my passion for research. My work unfolds right here in New York City—I collaborate with community health organizations to translate research findings into actionable health programs. The translational nature of research to practice relationships has led to a further interest in thinking about the ways in which academic study in psychology, education, and public health can be utilized to create effective prevention and health intervention programs.
Courses Taught:Theories of Teaching and Learning
Psychology of Urban Adolescents
Quantitative Reasoning in Educational Research
HIV/AIDS Psychologic and Educational Perspectives
Recent Publications:“Methamphetamine use among gay, bisexual and non-identified men who have sex with men: An analysis of daily patterns and contexts for use,” Journal of Health Psychology (with collaborators, 2009)
“Methamphetamine and poly-substance use among gym-attending men who have sex with men in New York City,” Annals of Behavioral Medicine. (with collaborators, 2008)
“The synergies of substance use and sexual risk taking among gay, bisexual, and other MSM in New York City in the era of HIV/AIDS,” Substance Use and Misuse. (with collaborators, 2009)
“Injection and non-injection steroid use among gym-attending gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in NYC,”Psychology of Men and Masculinity. (with collaborators, 2008)
“Methamphetamine abuse and impairment of social functioning: A Review of the underlying neurophysiological causes and behavioral implications,” Psychological Bulletin. (with collaborators, 2008)
“Sexual practices of gay and bisexual and other men who have sex with men attending New York City gyms,” Journal of Sex Research,” (with collaborators, 2008)
“Serosorting,” Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS (BETA), (with collaborator, 2007)
Educational health interventions, health psychology, developmental research methodology, substance use, HIV risk and resiliencies.
Professional Affiliations:2005- American Psychological Association
Recent Presentations/Exhibits:“Dispelling the myths of young urban Black and Latino men who have sex with men.” Presentation at the International Academy of Sex Research, San Juan, PR. (with collaborators, 2009)
“Exploring resiliencies in young men who have sex with men.” Presentation at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Toronto, Ontario. (2009)
“HIV and aging: Psychological considerations for gay and bisexual men. American Association of Retired Persons National Conference on Aging, New York, NY. (2008)
“Social cognition functioning and methamphetamine use.” Presentation at the Global conference on methamphetamine: Science, strategy, and response. Prague, Czech Republic. (2008)
“Methamphetamine and social cognition.” Presentation at the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association Annual Conference, San Juan, PR. (with collaborator, 2008)
“Methamphetamine use among health seeking gay and bisexual men in NYC.” Presentation at the Science and Response 2007 National conference on methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis: Salt Lake City, UT. (with collaborator, 2007)
Research Assistantship, New York University (2005-2008);
Doctoral Student Teaching Excellence Award, New York University (2008);
President’s Service Award, New York University (2007);
Certificate of Distinction in Teaching, Harvard University (2005).
Research Grants
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2007;
Dean’s grant for student research, New York University, 2007.
