Dr. Ford works with Dr. Karen Patricia Williams on a NIH R01 funded research project entitled the Kin KeeperSM Cancer Prevention/Intervention that utilizes Community Health Workers to disseminate intense breast and cervical cancer education to African American, Latina, and Arab women. Her background in the study behavioral medicine informs research design to improve in health behaviors and promote positive mental and physical health outcomes. The primary focus of her research includes sexual risk behaviors in throughout the lifespan. Dr. Ford received a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development from the University of Iowa. She completed post-doctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychology.