Dr. Omoto is a social psychologist whose research interests are focused on interpersonal processes, specifically on the social and psychological aspects of volunteerism. He has published numerous articles and chapters on topics related to volunteerism and civic participation. His current research includes a multi-year study creating and tracking the effects of psychological sense of community among clients, volunteers, and staff in AIDS service organizations, and a project examining volunteerism, religiosity, and physical and psychological health among older adults living in retirement communities. These projects utilize diverse research methodologies and have been supported by federal and private foundation research grants.

In addition to these projects, Dr. Omoto has research interests related to close relationships, HIV disease, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues. He also has extensive public policy experience, including helping to found and administer a community-based AIDS service organization and working in the US Congress as the American Psychological Association’s inaugural William A. Bailey AIDS Policy Congressional Fellow.

He has served on the Committee on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Concerns of the American Psychological Association, and on the Executive Committee of the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues. He is the former Chair of the Training Committee for the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and has served on the governing Council of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and the Council of Representatives of the American Psychological Association.