The Spatial Epidemiology Lab, directed by Dr. Dustin Duncan, is housed in the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The lab employs a geospatial lens in studying health behaviors and outcomes, especially sexual health and sleep health. The lab has an emphasis on health disparities, intersectionality and vulnerable populations. Methodologically, the la
b applies spatially explicit approaches such as computer-based geospatial technologies and geospatial modeling techniques. Using innovative methods like global positioning system (GPS) technologies, the lab aims to relate neighborhood attributes to health-related behaviors and outcomes. By studying specific neighborhood characteristics, we hope to inform salient and effective interventions and policies. The lab includes research assistants and research interns who are undergraduate students, graduate students, and medical students, in addition to post-doctoral fellows, research affiliates, and geospatial analysts. Research assistants and other members have been co-authors on published manuscripts and have been awarded grants. We work collaboratively with communities and colleagues in New York City and from around the world.
“Like real estate, health is location, location, location. Where you live makes an enormous difference…”
- George A. Kaplan, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Michigan
