Julia M. Alber, PhD, MPH
Research Interests
My current research focuses on applying communication technologies to understand and promote healthy behaviors for addressing disparities in cancer prevention. My research involves developing and testing public health messages, conducting content analyses, and applying health behavior theory to understand cancer-related behaviors and beliefs. Additionally, my research involves working with community partners to use research to inform public health advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal level. Finally, I conduct research to document and understand the history of health education.
Educational Background
MPH; Ph.D. in Health & Human Performance with an emphasis on Health Behavior
Current Projects
- Examining nicotine pouch beliefs among young adults
- Comparing realistic AI avatar to real humans in health communication messaging
- Understanding NRT prescribing knowledge among pharmacists in California’s Central Coast
Publication Highlights
- Alber, J. M., Askay, D., Dhillon, A., Sandoval, L., Ramos, S., & Santilena, K. (2025). AI Awareness and Tobacco Policy Messaging Among US Adults: Electronic Experimental Study. JMIR AI, 4, e72987. https://doi.org/10.2196/72987
- Alber, J. M., Jackson, L., Viela, R., Jessup, O., Sandoval, L., & Santilena, K. (2025). Advancing Support for Electronic Cigarette Control Policies in the United States: The Impact of Theory-Based Messaging Strategies. Preventive medicine reports, 60, 103297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103297
- Alber, J. M., Askay, D., Nelson, C., & Ramirez-Crippen, J. (2025). Using the Design Thinking Approach for a University Health Promotion Program: A Pilot Study. Health promotion practice, 26(5), 993–1003. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248399241294233
- Manalili, N., Merzon, J., Alber, J., & Lent, A. (2025). Factors Associated With FDA-Approved Quit Medication Use Among a Sample of Adult Tobacco Users in a County in Central California. American journal of health promotion : AJHP, 39(5), 813–818. https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171251315005
