Dr. Sarah Cabán earned her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Georgia and her Ph.D. from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.

Dr. Cabán’s research seeks to identify mechanisms that can aid in understanding how both interpersonal and intrapersonal processes work together to influence health management behaviors and health outcomes. She utilizes a mixture of quantitative, qualitative to better understand how people’s health decisions are influenced by their own perceptions/behaviors and interpersonal networks (e.g., family, friends, health providers). Her research with collaborators have been published in peer-reviewed across various disciplines, including Health Communication, Communication Research, Journal of Family Studies, and JNCI Cancer Spectrum. She has also coauthored a book chapter in the Handbook of Mental Health Communication that overviews some of the ways the study of health communication can be useful to mental health researchers.

In addition to publications, she seeks to address health issues through community involvement. Recently, she has partnered with food pantries and faith-based organizations to explore culturally tailored approaches for educating disproportionately affected communities about health prevention and management.

Dr. Cabán teaches courses in the health communication concentration including Health Campaigns and Interpersonal Health Communication. As a teacher, she works to create a supportive classroom environment that helps students learn about different perspectives and apply their learning to the broader community.

Outside of the University, Dr. Cabán likes watching reality TV, watching and listening to musicals, and exploring new places to eat.