Anna Epperson

Anna Epperson is an Assistant Professor of Health Psychology at the University of California, Merced, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Arts and the Department of Psychological Sciences. She leads the Epperson Lab, dedicated to investigating social and cultural factors influencing health-related behaviors and perceptions, particularly among Indigenous/American Indian, Alaska Native, and Latine/Latino communities. Her work emphasizes culturally guided approaches to address tobacco use, rural health disparities, and targeted health messaging.

Her research focuses on topics such as the health impacts of tobacco branding (e.g., Natural American Spirit cigarettes), pandemic-related behavioral changes (e.g., smoking during lockdowns), and cannabis use perceptions in Indigenous populations. She advocates for interventions that prioritize community engagement and address systemic inequities in health outcomes.

Dr. Epperson’s publications consistently highlight the intersections of culture, environment, and health policy. Notable themes include debunking health halo effects in tobacco marketing, analyzing racial/ethnic disparities in smoking behaviors, and evaluating the efficacy of public health messaging strategies. Her lab website (annaeppersonlab.com) serves as a hub for collaborative research initiatives and community-driven health interventions.