91�Թ���

Research Interests��

I am a health geographer and environmental gerontologist who uses qualitative and mixed methods to investigate how built, social, and natural environments affect health, aging, and quality of mid to later life. I focus particularly on neighborhood determinants of cognitive aging and physically, socially, and intellectually active aging in place. The goal of my research is to inform upstream health promotion and policy strategies to address socio-geographic determinants of health across the life course, particularly among underserved communities.��

My early research identified salient neighborhood features (e.g., accessible housing, transportation, services, and ‘third places’ outside of home and work) to support racially and socioeconomically diverse aging adults. I advocated for policy to support older adults, particularly those who are unhoused, low-income, isolated, disabled, and aging in underserved and vulnerable communities. One of the greatest fears expressed by older adults in my dissertation research inspired my postdoctoral and current research: Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). I developed a new concept of Cognability and public mapping tool to capture how supportive an area is to cognitive aging through neighborhood services, amenities, and hazards. My research utilizes large national datasets including the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study and Health and Retirement Study (HRS).��

Additionally, I have co-led the COVID-19 Coping Study since March 2020. This mixed-methods study investigates physical, mental, social, and cognitive health and well-being among US adults aged 55 and older since the pandemic onset. I help develop and advance the National Neighborhood Data Archive (NaNDA), a public mapping resource that curates national geospatial data relevant to public health over time.

Current Research��

My current research projects include:

• Aging in place since the COVID-19 pandemic onset: A study of neighborhoods and cognitive health among older Americans
• Life Course Cognability: Neighborhoods and Health at All Ages Research Study
• COVID-19 Coping Study
• Marshall Fire Community Health Research Study
• National Neighborhood Data Archive��

More Info��

I grew up in Vancouver (Canada) and completed my Bachelor's degrees in Geography and Education at Queen's University (Canada). I pursued a Master's and PhD in Geography and Gerontology (Public Health) from the University of Minnesota. Prior to becoming an Assistant Professor at 91�Թ���, I was a NIH-funded postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (2018-2023).

When not at my desk, I'm often chasing after my two small children, running/biking/skiing in the Colorado mountains, or reading a book.

Recent Courses Taught��

• Spring 2025 GEOG 3612�� Reimagining Cities: Spaces of Power, Privilege, and Possibility
• Spring 2024�� GEOG 3692�� Introduction to Global Public Health
• Fall 2023�� GEOG 3692�� Introduction to Global Public Health

Honors and Awards��

Recent Grants and Fellowships:

• 2023-2024: University of Minnesota Life Course Center for the Demography and Economics of Aging Pilot Grant (NIH/NIA P30AG066613, $36,133) Co-Primary Investigator: “Place-Based Determinants of Cognitive Aging Across the Life Course.”
• 2023-2024: University of Colorado Population Center Seed Grant (NIH/NICHD P2CHD066613, $20,000) Co-Primary Investigator: “Toxic homes? A mixed-methods study of Marshall Fire health impacts.”
• 2022-2027: National Institute on Aging Pathway to Independence Award (1K99AG075152-01, $1,014,840): “Aging in Place Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic Onset: A Study of Neighborhoods and Cognitive Health Among Older Americans.”
• 2022-2027: National Institute of Nursing Research (NIH/NINR U01NR020556) Co-Investigator: “A National Neighborhood Data Resource to Understand Inequities in the Health and Socioeconomic Impacts of COVID-19 in the United States.”
• 2021-2023: Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Early Career Investigator Mentorship Program (NIH/NIA P30AG072931, Berger Endowment G102865/321033, $25,000).
• 2020-2022: National Institute on Aging Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (NIH/NIA F32 AG064815-01, $131,836): “ENHANCE: Developing