Department of Sociology and Criminology

Professional Bio

My research interests lie at the intersection of demography, social networks, and health. Broadly, I study how social connectedness shapes and is shaped by various demographic and health behaviors across the life course in different contexts. In adolescence and reproductive adulthood, I examine how these connections shape fertility and reproductive behavior, such as contraceptive use and sexually transmitted infections. In middle and older adulthood, I study how social connectedness shapes mortality and physical and mental health indicators.