Caroline Cummings

Dr. Caroline Cummings is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Texas Tech University, serving as Director of the Pediatric Health, Affect, and Biobehavioral (PHAB) Lab. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno, with prior clinical and research experience at Oregon Health and Science University. Her work focuses on examining interconnections between affective processes, biobehavioral systems, and health in youth with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes, obesity, and substance use, emphasizing sociocultural influences and dyadic relationships.

Research emphasizes daily diary methods, ecological momentary assessments, and digital health interventions. Notable achievements include grants like the 2022 Faculty Research & Support Funding and awards such as the Society of Behavioral Medicine Emerging Leader designation. Dr. Cummings collaborates with institutions like the University of Vermont and Dartmouth College. The PHAB Lab develops culturally sensitive interventions targeting health behaviors in pediatric populations, with ongoing studies on pain management, sleep quality, and pandemic impacts on health behaviors.

Her advising and grants include mentoring graduate students (e.g., Haley Coronado, Maddy McClinchie) and securing funding for diversity initiatives. The lab’s future work expands mobile health applications and equity-focused methodologies. She currently oversees lab operations in the Psychological Sciences Building (Room 208) and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team addressing complex health challenges.