Her research examines responses to psychological trauma, stress, and adversity, including events that impact communities such as disasters, terrorism, school shootings, and other events of mass violence. She has provided psychosocial support in the immediate aftermath of incidents such as 9/11 and the Isla Vita tragedy, a mass murder of six undergraduates that occurred at UCSB. Dr. Kia-Keating’s work emphasizes coping, resilience, and prevention efforts. She uses participatory and human-centered approaches to empower communities to reduce health disparities related to exposure to traumatic stressors and adversities.