Elizabeth Vasquez

Associate Professor, Public Health Link

Faculty Affiliate, Center for Aging and Policy Studies

CAPS Biography:

My research agenda aligns with the CAPS signature themes of health and well-being and family and intergenerational support. Furthermore, my work interest also intersects with two of the CAPS three cross-cutting themes (place, and the uniqueness of specific populations). As an Associate Professor in the department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics of the UAlbany School of Public Health, my career focus has been to conduct research that contributes to the public health prevention agenda by evaluating the complex relationship between health behavior, special populations and place. My research themes have been (1) examining physical activity as a component of health and well-being and its relationship to health outcomes; and (2) exploring the role of psychosocial determinants and behavior among racially and ethnically diverse populations. As my research develops, my interests have moved beyond individual-level indicators to those that consider the role of social context and place (e.g. neighborhoods) and their contributions to differential health outcomes within minority sub-populations (Latinos and people aging with HIV). Further, my current research enables me to use epidemiologic and biostatistical methods and theories to examine social factors implicated in the development and distribution of disease and the methods used to investigate these associations. I have strong skills in research design, quantitative research methods, and community-based as well as clinical trial research.