My applied and basic research area focuses on the prevention and reduction of substance use (i.e., alcohol, cigarette, and drug use) and HIV risk behavior health disparities among Hispanic youth as well on the application of advanced statistical methodology to understand the socio-contextual determinants of health and the evaluation of behavioral health interventions for minority populations. Specifically, my research program focuses on understanding the social-contextual determinants of substance use and HIV risk behaviors and on developing, evaluating, and disseminating the efficacy and effectiveness of Familias Unidas, a theoretically driven intervention designed to prevent and reduce substance use and HIV risk behaviors in Hispanic youth.