Catherine Garcia

Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Science, Falk College of Sport & Human Dynamics Link

Faculty Affiliate, Aging Studies Institute
Faculty Affiliate, Center for Aging and Policy Studies
Faculty Affiliate, Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion

CAPS Biography:

My work aligns with the CAPS signature theme of health and well-being as well as the cross-cutting themes of policy, place, and specific populations. I primarily use a biosocial approach and large, population-based survey data to examine the determinants of adult health, health disparities, and healthy aging. Namely, I am interested in how social factors, neighborhoods and the built environment, and the social and community context influence the disease process across the lifespan, leading to adverse health outcomes and disproportionate disease burden among aging racial and ethnic minority populations. My research is rooted in a long tradition of sociological and epidemiological inquiry into how social stratification translates into health risks that get “under the skin.” Moreover, I use quantitative methods to address and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion by incorporating the lived experiences of individuals (e.g., race and ethnicity, sex and gender, social class) and more significant societal issues.