About
I am an Assistant Professor at Florida State University, cross-appointed in the Department of Geography and the Public Health program. My research focuses on the geographies of aging, using quantitative modeling, spatial data analysis, and place-based methods. I believe the built environment plays a crucial role in lifelong health and well-being. When we design communities with older adults in mind, we create more inclusive spaces for everyone.
My research examines where, how, and with whom older adults spend their time to understand the downstream impacts on loneliness, mental health, and physical health. The environmental contexts I consider for these activities include the home social context, activity space, and physical environment. Mobility is a central lens through which I explore environmental contexts—how individuals move through space or are constrained by it, whether due to inadequate transportation, limited social support, or mobility disabilities. I am especially interested in aging among migrant populations and how transnational social ties shape their experiences in receiving countries.
When I'm not working, I enjoy film photography. The photos on this website (besides those below) were taken by me.
Ongoing Projects
Environments of health and socializing in Florida's Capital Region: Using activity space information and a detailed survey, I am building a model to specify modalities of socializing and the important role that place plays in reducing loneliness.
Florida older migrants extreme heat behaviors: How do recent, retired Florida migrants cope with high temperatures? Using survey data, we hope to shed light on how their time use, transportation, and housing conditions play a role in their ability to stay cool.
Post-COVID Travel Suppression: Unmet travel needs in later life contribute to worsened health outcomes. What can these needs post-covid tell us about changing desires of older adults in the United States?
Geographies of Ostomies: Using a critical health geography lens, we investigate how patients with stomas navigate health care and social situations.
Graduate Students
I am not currently recruiting graduate students.
How should you prepare to apply for graduate school under my supervision?
My preference is for Master's students with strong quantitative or mixed methods backgrounds who are interested in aging populations. I am seeking students with a foundation in statistics, GIS training, and experience with spatial data analysis in Python and R. Qualitative students are also encouraged to reach out, but must have some interest or experience with GIS or introductory statistics. Evidence of previous research experience (e.g., undergraduate research assistantship) should be highlighted in your application materials. Florida State University offers competitive funding to qualified Master's and PhD students.
My research examines where, how, and with whom older adults spend their time to understand the downstream impacts on loneliness, mental health, and physical health. The environmental contexts I consider for these activities include the home social context, activity space, and physical environment. Mobility is a central lens through which I explore environmental contexts—how individuals move through space or are constrained by it, whether due to inadequate transportation, limited social support, or mobility disabilities. I am especially interested in aging among migrant populations and how transnational social ties shape their experiences in receiving countries.
When I'm not working, I enjoy film photography. The photos on this website (besides those below) were taken by me.
Ongoing Projects
Environments of health and socializing in Florida's Capital Region: Using activity space information and a detailed survey, I am building a model to specify modalities of socializing and the important role that place plays in reducing loneliness.
Florida older migrants extreme heat behaviors: How do recent, retired Florida migrants cope with high temperatures? Using survey data, we hope to shed light on how their time use, transportation, and housing conditions play a role in their ability to stay cool.
Post-COVID Travel Suppression: Unmet travel needs in later life contribute to worsened health outcomes. What can these needs post-covid tell us about changing desires of older adults in the United States?
Geographies of Ostomies: Using a critical health geography lens, we investigate how patients with stomas navigate health care and social situations.
Graduate Students
I am not currently recruiting graduate students.
How should you prepare to apply for graduate school under my supervision?
My preference is for Master's students with strong quantitative or mixed methods backgrounds who are interested in aging populations. I am seeking students with a foundation in statistics, GIS training, and experience with spatial data analysis in Python and R. Qualitative students are also encouraged to reach out, but must have some interest or experience with GIS or introductory statistics. Evidence of previous research experience (e.g., undergraduate research assistantship) should be highlighted in your application materials. Florida State University offers competitive funding to qualified Master's and PhD students.