I am a licensed psychologist whose research spans the full continuum from cancer prevention to control, with a focus on cigarette smoking cessation. My dissertation (F31 CA139956) laid the foundation for a extramurally funded research program that centers on psychosocial adjustment and smoking cessation after a new cancer diagnosis. My internship and postdoctoral training (T32 DA007288) at the Medical University of South Carolina involved intensive research training in remotely delivered, behavioral interventions designed for adults who smoke and are either unmotivated, or not yet ready, to quit. My career development award (K07 CA181351) then allowed me to begin combining these two lines of clinical research as an early stage investigator at the University of Kentucky. From the perspective that a cancer diagnosis can function as a “teachable moment,” I aim to uncover the mechanics of smoking cessation, including the key affective, cognitive, social, and contextual variables that underlie or impede this process. My research program focuses on individuals with a tobacco-related cancer diagnosis (e.g., cervical, head, neck, and lung cancer), as they represent an understudied and often underserved subgroup of cancer survivors. Also, very attuned to social determinants of health and highly committed to health equity, I always try to engage community stakeholders in my intervention research and “design for dissemination” to rural, Appalachian or other socially disadvantaged populations, as they typically bear the brunt of cancer control inequities. Importantly, my research has grown more and more translational over time. I have begun to advance findings from observational studies into the clinical setting, conducting randomized controlled trials, quality improvement projects, and implementation science studies that aim to facilitate tobacco cessation after a cancer diagnosis and in the context of cancer care delivery.

An Unfortunate Trifecta

Normally, if you win a trifecta it’s a good thing (especially if you’re betting on the races at Keeneland), but in this case, not so much: Based on national data, Kentucky has one of the highest rates of smoking, persistent poverty, and cancer (both incidence and mortality). Given this, the BIRDS Lab is well positioned to investigate the interplay among smoking cessation (or the lack thereof), social determinants of health, and cancer survivorship. Additionally, the BIRDS Lab focuses on underserved cancer survivors in Kentucky, often found in the rural and Appalachian parts of our state. Our main goals are to 1) identify the key variables that promote adjustment after a cancer diagnosis and 2) equitably facilitate smoking cessation among cancer survivors. Below is a summary of some of the BIRDS Lab studies.

Cancer And Tobacco Study (CATS)

In this NCI funded study, we were interested in identifying the factors that contribute to a cancer diagnosis being a true “teachable moment” for smoking cessation. More specifically, we were trying to uncover which affective and cognitive variables play a role in the quit attempts, lapses, and relapses that occur in the context of a new head, neck, or cervical cancer diagnosis. To do so, we recruited recently diagnosed cancer survivors who reported smoking into a 30-day intensive longitudinal study and asked them to report on their thoughts, feelings, social interactions, and smoking (and quitting) behavior. The most important study result is that most cancer survivors who smoke continue to smoke throughout cancer treatment, despite strong intentions and multiple attempts to quit for good. Better distress management and social support are needed in the context of cancer care to support smoking cessation and positive adjustment overall. 

Cancer and the Kentucky Experience (CAKE)

In this concurrent mixed-methods study, we explored the quality of life and tobacco use of cervical cancer survivors and their primary support person (i.e., whomever the survivor considered her “go to” person for support). The focus on cervical cancer survivors was intentional as cervical cancer is a smoking-related cancer and these women have some of the highest rates of persistent smoking post-diagnosis. In this study, we were interested in characterizing (for one of the first times) the smoking behavior of this group and identifying barriers to and facilitators to their smoking cessation. We collaborated with Kentucky Cancer Link, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to low-income and under-insured cancer survivors across the state, and the Kentucky Cancer Registry to conduct this study in an attempt to reach underserved women. We learned a lot with this study, perhaps most importantly that the causal link between smoking and cervical cancer outcomes is not well known (outside of academic/medical circles) and that social variables (including income, education, norms, and perceived support and constraints) play a key role in smoking after cervical cancer diagnosis. 

Markey Cancer Center Assessment, Referral, Engagement, and Support (CARES) Tobacco Program

Originally funded by a NCI CCSG Administrative Supplement, the Markey CARES Tobacco Program implements the highest quality tobacco cessation treatment via two pathways: 1) widespread provider education, and for some individuals, free enrollment in an accredited, online tobacco treatment specialist training program and 2) evidence-based patient care that involves population-based assessment, proactive offers of tobacco cessation assistance, systematic follow-up, and integrated support consistent with the conceptual model of the 5 As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) and AAC (Ask, Advise, Connect) models. This comprehensive plan to address the high burden of tobacco use in Markey cancer patients through a 2-pronged approach considerably strengthened Markey’s commitment to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality in KY via both educational and treatment avenues.

Let's TALK Study

As a dissertation project, one student lead a mixed-methods longitudinal study where we explored the rationale behind some cancer patients' desire to quit tobacco on their own. Specifically, we were interested in why some cancer patients want to quit tobacco without assistance and we wanted to understand how this preference impacts their tobacco use over time. To do so, we recruited cancer patients through Markey Cancer Center and then asked them to complete 3 surveys and 2 interviews over the course of two months. The quantitative and qualitative data were integrated during analysis and converged to show self-reliance is a strong motivator for the preference to try and quit without use of any treatment. While some study participants were successful and fulfilled their intentions, the vast majority were not, again underscoring the need to facilitate uptake of evidence-based smoking cessation treatments as part of cancer care delivery.

Survivorship Care Study

For the first time, there exist National Standards for Cancer Survivorship Care. The BIRDS Lab is helping with a project co-led by Drs. Jessica Burris and Laurie McLouth that aims to assess the alignment between the National Standards and what Markey Cancer Center provides to its patient population. To do so, we will enroll cancer program administrators, oncology providers, supportive care specialists, cancer survivors and cancer caregivers into a mixed-methods, cross-sectional study and then use the data collected to inform implementation mapping and quality improvement planning. This 1-year study is funded by the NCI and began in September 2024.

Will Bowling, MS

BA in Psychology, Berea College, 2018

MS in Clinical Psychology, University of Kentucky, 2022

I grew up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky in a small town called Booneville. After high school, I moved to central Kentucky to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Berea College. This experience prompted my move to Lexington for graduate school, and I am now on internship and in my last year as a student in the UK clinical psychology PhD program in Dr. Burris’ lab. My main research interest involves factors that encourage adaptive health behaviors among cancer survivors. Outside of school and work, I like to spend my time watching scary movies, playing volleyball, and touring local breweries like West 6th.

Abigayle Feather, BS

BS in Psychology, Appalachian State University, 2019

I am originally from Charlotte, NC and moved to Boone, NC to attend Appalachian State University. During my undergraduate career, I joined the REACT Lab and became interested in improving mental health treatments in underserved populations. After graduation I moved to Chicago and worked in the CARL Lab at UChicago. While there, I studied factors that lead to substance misuse and interventions for smoking cessation. These interests brought me to UK and Dr. Burris, where I am now a 3rd year student in the clinical psychology PhD program and Dr. Burris' lab. I am interested in understanding health risk behaviors like smoking, scalable interventions, and improving quality of life in cancer survivors. When not working, I enjoy cooking, making coffee, and chasing down the best concerts.

Maisy Webster, BA

BA in Psychology and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 2021

I grew up in western NY and attended Johns Hopkins University where my interest in preventing chronic disease through health behavior change was developed. After graduating, I worked as a tobacco treatment specialist and research coordinator in the Lung Screening, Tobacco and Health Lab at Georgetown University. Now a second year student in the clinical psychology PhD program and Dr. Burris' Lab, I am excited to continue research in the areas of smoking cessation and cancer prevention/control, including understanding ways to improve the accessibility of behavioral health services within health systems. In my free time, I enjoy exploring KY through running and hiking as well as cheering for the Buffalo Bills.

Katie Wakeman, BA

BA in Psychology, University of Kentucky, 2023

As a Kentucky native, I naturally decided to attend UK. Ever since I was very young, I have had a deep interest in psychology and providing advocacy to individuals who have undergone traumatic experiences. I also have a deep passion for helping health care patients in general. While in college, clinical experiences with doctors of optometery has included assisting doctors in two eye care practices as an optometric technician and ophthalmic technician. Thankfully, I also had the opportunity to work in the Harris Center as a Clinic Assistant, which led me to the opportunity to assist in Tia's dissertation research. I've continued to work in Dr. Burris' lab ever since that first study. I am currently a Master's student in the UK Counseling Psychology Program. Outside of academics, I enjoy finding new coffee shops, savor browsing at thrifting places, and then to fall in love wherever there is vinyl. I also enjoy singing, animals, and traveling.

Prospective Students

Are you an undergraduate student interested in volunteering in the BIRDS Lab during the 2024-2025 academic year? Since Dr. Burris is focusing on writing grants and teaching PSY seniors in the fall semester and will be on sabbatical in the spring semester, she isn't taking any new students this year. However, she is definitely intersted in having a 394/395 student in 2025-2026. If you're interested in cancer survivorship or health psychology, please email Dr. Burris in March-May 2025 to inquire about a position. 

Interested in being a graduate student in the BIRDS Lab? This winter, Dr. Burris will review applications and interview strong applicants for the Clinical Psychology PhD Program, hoping to have a new student start in her lab in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Graduate Student Alumni

Jessica Rivera Rivera, PhD - Clinical Psychology, 2021

Gaby Puleo Carrigan, PhD - Experimental Psychology, 2021

Tia Borger, PhD - Clinical Psychology, 2024

Announcements

9/24 & 10/24: Both Maisy and Abbey defended their master's thesis this fall, hitting an important academic milestone for the clinical program!

6/1/24: In July, Maisy will participate in the Pathways to Military Behavioral Health Careers Summer Institute, a program that involved a competitive application process.

5/17/24: Abbey won 1st place in the poster presentation competition at Markey Research Day. Not to brag, but the BIRDS Lab has placed 1st and/or 2nd every year we have someone present.

2/9/24: The Robley Rex VA Mental Health Service held a continuing education event in which Will and I gave a presentation to about 100 mental health providers on Health Equity and Rural Populations

3/1/24: I'm so happy that Tia will return to UK later this year to join the faculty. She will be an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and her job will involve both research and patient care. Congrats!

4/26/23: Katie presented a poster at the UK Undergraduate Research Showcase while Will, Tia and Abbey were allegedly at a conference in Phoenix. Upon their return to Lexington, we all gathered for a lab brunch to celebrate an awesome year. Yay brunch!

4/1/23: Katie was accepted into the UK Masters in Counseling Psychology Program and will start in the fall! Tia matched to the internship at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis and will start the last leg of her PhD training in July! Will defended his qualifying exam - and in doing so become the 1st student to ever do the clinical case study quals option! Maisy accepted the offer of admission into the clinical program and will join Abbey and Will in the lab in the fall.