Elizabeth Vasquez

Associate Professor, Public Health Link

Faculty Affiliate, Center for Aging and Policy Studies

CAPS Biography:

I conduct research that contributes to the health prevention agenda, evaluating the complex relationship between health behavior, specific populations, and place. Specifically, I focus largely in the areas of physical activity among older adults and the influence of contextual factors and social determinants. I have conducted NIH-funded research addressing health disparities beyond individual-level indicators to those that consider the role of social context and place (e.g. neighborhoods, climate), and their contributions to differential health outcomes. My work has significant implications in three primary areas in the field of gerontology: (1) evaluation of the effect of specific social and health behaviors on quality of life and health outcomes among racial and ethnically diverse older adults; (2) racial and ethnic differences among risk factors associated with progression of disability, and (3) early life social disparities. Together, this body of work advances our understanding of how social determinants of health have a cumulative and lasting impact on health outcomes for older adults, especially older adults of color. Understanding these mechanisms is central to our ability to address these, both over a lifetime and at advanced age, in order to attenuate the impact of disability and quality of life. My research agenda aligns with the CAPS signature themes of health and well-being and family and intergenerational supports.  

Furthermore, my current work intersects with two of CAPS cross-cutting themes (place and specific populations). My dual language skills enable me to use epidemiologic and biostatistical methods and theories to examine several factors implicated in the development and distribution of disease and the approaches used to investigate these associations. I have strong skills in research design, quantitative research methods, and community-based and clinical trial research. My broad interdisciplinary training, foundation in the theory and practice of epidemiology, and understanding of the social disparities that influence the health process among underrepresented and disadvantaged communities drive my research agenda.