I study how behavioral clustering and diffusion affect health outcomes.
Along with collaborators, I am collecting data from public housing residents in Boston to investigate the clustering of health-related behaviors and outcomes in social networks. See out work published here and here where we show that we tend to consume similar levels of sugary foods and beverages as our friends.
I have also investigated how simulations are critical for understanding the spread of disease such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Read about it here and here.
I have also developed theoretical models to understand how behaviors spread unequally through populations. I show that when our friends are similar to us (e.g., on socioeconomic class), the spread of hard to adopt behaviors (like a new exercise routine) exacerbates inequalities.
I have also written an accessible review article on how behaviors spread and their implication for worsening inequalities.