Jacob John van den Berg

Dr. Jacob J. van den Berg is a dedicated educator and researcher whose teaching philosophy emphasizes fostering a dynamic, reciprocal learning environment. 

Believing that teaching is not merely the transmission of knowledge but a collaborative exchange, Dr. van den Berg cultivates classrooms that prioritize openness, spontaneity, and adaptability. By creating inclusive spaces where students feel valued and empowered to share diverse perspectives, Dr. van den Berg supports their intellectual and personal growth. A commitment to individualized instruction and flexible lesson planning ensures that students at all learning levels are engaged, supported, and challenged, resulting in an enriching educational experience.

With an impressive portfolio of over 70 peer-reviewed publications and 10 federally funded research projects, Dr. van den Berg bridges the fields of psychology and public health, focusing on understanding and addressing the U.S. HIV epidemic. His research employs qualitative techniques, community-based surveys, and clinical trial designs, often in collaboration with community stakeholders. Dr. van den Berg is particularly known for his work with marginalized populations, including Black/African American men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, and people experiencing homelessness. His studies have developed evidence-based intervention protocols that target health disparities in these vulnerable groups, demonstrating a profound impact on public health.

Dr. van den Berg’s innovative research combines theoretical frameworks from psychology with rigorous public health methodologies to address pressing health challenges. By focusing on the lived experiences of disadvantaged populations, his work highlights the social determinants of health and provides actionable solutions. Current projects include groundbreaking HIV prevention studies with Black/African American MSM and sexual minority youth, filling critical gaps in public health programming. This commitment to addressing health inequities showcases Dr. van den Berg’s dedication to advancing both scholarship and social impact.

Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, University of Florida
M.P.H. Epidemiology, Harvard University
M.S. Clinical Psychology, Yale University
B.A. Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University
 

PY 212 Abnormal Psychology
PY 220 Developmental Psychology
PY 240 Introduction to Social Psychology
PY 241 Introduction to Personality Theory
PY 324 Adolescent Psychology
PY 398 Thesis Preparation in Psychology
PY 453 Internship in Psychology
 

van den Berg, J. J., O'Keefe, E., Davidson, D., Fiellin, D. A., Kershaw, T., Barbour, R. C., Cu-
Uvin, S., & Cleary, P. D. (2021). The development and evaluation of an HIV implementation
science network in New England: lessons learned. Implementation Science Communications,
2, 64. doi.org/10.1186/s43058-021-00165-2.

van den Berg, J. J., Gamarel, K. E., Westfall, A. O., Fortenberry, J. D., Hosek, S. G., Wilson, C.
M., Lally, M. A., & Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions (2020).
Transmission risk among youth living with HIV in the United States. Journal of Adolescent
Health, 67, 61-68. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.01.008.

van den Berg, J. J., Zaller, N. D., Gillani, F. S., Dunsiger, S. I., Marshall, B. D. L., Kahler, C.
W., & Operario, D. (2018). Longitudinal HIV transmission risk profiles among men who
have sex with men living with HIV in the SUN Study. American Journal of Men’s Health,
1, 1-9.