Can you describe the research you’re working on as part of TIME-AD?

Broadly, my research examines how social relationships and connections, including both their beneficial and harmful aspects, influence dementia risk and the aging process. As part of TIME-AD, my primary substantive projects explore whether community-level social capital is associated with dementia risk, either directly or through its impact on social isolation, and how these associations differ by urban versus rural settings and by sex/gender.

What’s been the most exciting or rewarding aspect of your research to date?

More than anything, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant, kind researchers on projects that tackle important questions to improve public health science and outcomes. I love the creative aspects of the research process and working with others to figure out how we can enhance both population health and the methods we use to study it.

If you weren’t a scientist, what do you think you’d be doing?

If I weren’t a scientist, I’d probably be doing one of two things. First, I think I would have enjoyed being a lawyer (really!)—if I were a bit less shy. I love figuring out logical arguments, listening to Supreme Court oral arguments like podcast episodes, and, somewhat embarrassingly, I enjoy reading contracts just to see what the fine print says. Second, I would want to be an interior designer or architect for retirement communities, rehab centers, or hospitals serving low-income communities. I believe the way spaces look and feel can profoundly impact well-being and dignity, and I wish more healing environments were (or could be) designed with that in mind.