Research Associates 2020–2021
Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson
Jacqueline Gustafson, Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University, is a passionate higher education leader. She has served two institutions as the lead officer in developing numerous graduate programs, research centers, and most recently a community mental health clinic. Globally, she has conducted extensive field work in South America, led study tours throughout Europe, and is currently developing micro-enterprise partnerships in East Africa. Her research aims to increase equity in community partnerships both locally and globally. Her lab: Principles and Practices of Just Engagement Lab.
Dr. Erin Smith
Erin I. Smith, Ph.D., is an associate professor of psychology and the director of research for the Center for the Study of Human Behavior (CSHB). Her Ph.D. (University of California Riverside) is in Developmental Psychology, where she studied the development of religious and scientific cognition. Her current research interests focus on the psychological and cultural influences on the science/religion dialogue and the distinct role of church in children’s development, especially for children who have experienced adverse life experiences.
Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter
Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter is the published author of the textbook "Medical Social Work Practice: A Christian Approach," a professor of social work at California Baptist University, and a researcher in the social and behavioral sciences field. Dr. Flores-Carter currently is a member of the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Institutional Review Board. Her current research interests include examining social determinants of health factors, women’s mental health, adverse trauma, and disparities that impacts maternal health outcomes for women. Additional interests include exploring minority women’s attitudes towards seeking mental health services and the use of Christian mindfulness meditation for the reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms. Dr. Flores-Carter is currently the lead researcher for San Bernardino County First 5 in affiliation with Social Entrepreneurs Inc. Maternal Health Network Consumer Survey project exploring the kinds of services needed to support the health and well-being of mothers and their newborns in the Inland Empire. Locally, nationally, and internationally, Dr. Flores-Carter has presented her research, served on health expert panels, and facilitated workshops on mental health and wellness, child abuse prevention, enhancing maternal mental health care in hospitals, cultural humility, diversity and inclusion. Her lab: Maternal Health Lab.
Philip Breitenbucher
Professor Phil Breitenbucher has over 20 years of progressively responsible experience in the management of public child welfare and community-based prevention services. He was formerly a program director with the National Center on Substance Use and Child Welfare where he directed the Children Affected by Methamphetamine program and authored numerous papers and trained nationally on evidenced-based practices. Additionally, Professor Breitenbucher provides direct consultation to states and counties to achieve organizational changes and practice improvements in child welfare. Phil received his Master of Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino, his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California Baptist University and his certificate in addiction and recovery from Light University.
Dr. Robert Pate
Dr. Robert Pate is an associate professor of psychology in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University (CBU), serving as the director of clinical training for the doctor of psychology (PsyD) program. Dr. Pate is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Orange County, CA, serving distressed couples and individual adolescents and adults. He also serves on the advisory board for My Safe Harbor, an Orange County based nonprofit. Dr. Pate’s research interests focus primarily on psychotherapy with couples, individual men, and integrating faith-based principles in clinical work.
Dr. Erika Travis
Dr. Erika J. Travis teaches children’s and young adult literature as well as methods of research, composition and creative writing at California Baptist University. Her research interests include the intersection of theology and literature, the representation of religion in literature for children and young adults, and whatever else catches her eye at the moment. She is also interested in the empirical study of reading, writing, and literacy and enjoys employing empirical research skills to the study of literature.
Dr. Sophia Mun
Dr. Sophia Mun is an assistant professor of behavioral sciences. Her Ph.D. (University of Southern California) is in gerontology and she is a licensed clinical psychologist in South Korea. Her current research interests focus on the Integration of Christianity and psychology.