Mai-Ly Nguyen Steers, Ph.D.

I have a diverse background in the fields of biology, psychology, and communication studies, and my goal is to bridge the gaps between these distinct disciplines. Before pursuing a Ph.D. in social psychology, I graduated with two undergraduate degrees in biology and broadcast journalism from the University of Southern California and a M.A. in communications from California State University Los Angeles. Also, prior to enrolling at U of H, I worked for many years in television in Los Angeles.

Research Interests:
My research consists of three major lines of research. One of my primary research interests is to examine the ways in which modern technological media, such as Facebook, have redefined social interactions and close relationships.

In addition, during my time at the University of Houston, I become interested how social influences impact addictive behaviors, such as alcohol abuse.

Finally, my third line of research delves into how cultural differences influence health outcomes. For instance, the subject of my dissertation focused on how Asian Americans and European Americans might differ in the manner in which they engage in social support seeking and also how cultural backgrounds influence cognitions and emotions following being asked to provide support.