Dr. Badr is a clinical psychologist and behavioral scientist whose clinical and research interests center on improving the well-being of cancer patients and their families through evidence-based psychosocial and behavioral interventions. Her work lies at the intersection of psychology, oncology, behavioral medicine, and public health, with a strong focus on health equity and real-world impact.
A core area of her research involves psychosocial oncology, where she addresses the emotional and psychological challenges faced by cancer patients and their caregivers. She is particularly known for her work in developing dyadic interventions, which are programs designed to support both the patient and their partner or family member. These interventions aim to enhance communication, coping, and emotional support between couples dealing with cancer, improving outcomes for both parties.
She is also deeply committed to addressing health disparitie in medically underserved populations, ensuring that interventions are adapted for use in low-resource or safety-net settings. Through her work in implementation science, she focuses on translating effective behavioral interventions into routine clinical care by engaging key stakeholders to ensure feasibility, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity.
Her interests extend into cancer survivorship and palliative care, with projects aimed at improving symptom management, quality of life, and end-of-life communication for patients with advanced disease. She also contributes broadly to behavioral medicine, particularly in the area of chronic disease self-management, helping patients adhere to treatment and adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors.