SPHN Member Spotlights
Each month, we shine a light on one of our SPHN members to amplify their innovative research and encourage collaboration across the network. We also share these on our SPHN LinkedIn page!
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Mary Gerend, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Florida State University College of Medicine
Dr. Mary Gerend is a social health psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine at the Florida State University College of Medicine. She received her BA from the University of Minnesota and PhD from Arizona State University.
Dr. Gerend’s primary interests are cancer prevention (human papillomavirus vaccination, cancer screening), health messaging, and the health consequences of weight stigma.
What is your favorite part of the Health Preconference?
My favorite part of the Health Preconference is the opportunity to connect with former students and colleagues from around the country and the world. I also look forward to learning about the latest research in the field and meeting new collaborators. For me, the Health Preconference is the highlight of the annual SPSP convention.
What advice would you give a first-time SPHN attendee?
Introduce yourself and talk to as many new people as possible! I can be somewhat introverted, so talking with new people at conferences can be challenging. I wish I had taken advantage of the opportunity to meet and talk with more people at the first few conferences I attended. One of the best times to meet new people is during the poster session at the Health Preconference. People love talking about their work, so it’s an easy way to break the ice. I’ve also found that SPHN members are an especially friendly and supportive group.
What’s the research project you’re the proudest of in your career?
A clinical trial that didn’t work! It was my first trial funded by the National Cancer Institute to examine effects of gain- and loss-framed messages on HPV vaccine uptake. Although I was disappointed that we didn’t observe any differences in behavior across conditions, I was able to use the failed trial as an opportunity to test and compare two of health psychology’s predominant theories of health behavior (Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behavior) to predict vaccine uptake. It’s one of my most highly cited papers.
January 2026
Membership
Membership in the SPH Network is open to all researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers interested in the scientific study of human health from a social and personality psychology perspective. Check out our member database to learn more about who belongs to the network.
Dues and Benefits
Membership in the SPH Network confers several benefits, including access to the SPH Network listserv and the satisfaction of contributing to the advancement of the science of health! All members are equal partners in this enterprise.
Regular Membership (e.g., faculty & post-docs): $40
Student Membership: $25
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