Research
Objectives
At the Place and Health Lab (PAHL), we study how where people live, work, and age influences why certain health outcomes occur. Our research integrates spatial epidemiology, data science, and community collaboration to understand the geographic, social, and environmental conditions that shape health and well-being.
We use geospatial analysis, Bayesian modeling, and interactive data visualization to uncover patterns in chronic disease, cancer, food insecurity, and access to care. By linking neighborhood characteristics, such as persistent poverty, rurality, and environmental exposure to health outcomes, our work identifies communities most affected by preventable disparities.
Our goal is to transform spatial data into actionable insight. We develop maps, dashboards, and tools that help public health agencies, health systems, and community organizations target interventions and resources more effectively. Through this applied, place-based approach, the Place and Health Lab seeks to improve health outcomes and promote opportunity across diverse populations and regions.
Projects
Persistent Poverty and Cancer Disparities
This project examines how persistent and enduring poverty shape cancer risk across urban and rural areas in Texas. By combining Texas Cancer Registry data with neighborhood-level socioeconomic indicators, the study uses Bayesian spatial modeling to identify high-risk regions for colorectal cancer incidence and late-stage diagnosis. Findings inform place-based prevention strategies and state-level resource allocation to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.
San Antonio Food Insecurity Needs Assessment
In collaboration with the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, the Place and Health Lab led a comprehensive Food Insecurity Needs Assessment to understand the geographic and systemic factors driving hunger across Bexar County. Using a mixed-methods approach, the project combined geospatial analysis, surveys, focus groups, and community conversations to identify priority neighborhoods and resource gaps. The team developed an interactive dashboard and three public reports, on data visualization, law and policy review, and community perspectives, to inform the city’s Community Health Improvement Plan. This work highlights how mapping and community engagement can guide equitable access to food and strengthen local health systems.
https://cinow.info/online-tools-posts/food-insecurity-data-portal/
Mapping Food Insecurity in Galveston
In partnership with the UTMB Department of Family Medicine, this project develops interactive dashboards to visualize food insecurity and related non-medical drivers of health in Galveston County. Using GIS-based methods, the team integrates local data on retail food access, school meal programs, and social service locations to identify geographic gaps in healthy food availability. The resulting web tools support community planning and future grant applications aimed at improving nutrition and population health.
Neighborhood Environments and Aging in Place
Supported by a pilot grant from the Cizik School of Nursing, this study investigates how neighborhood characteristics—such as walkability, greenspace, and social cohesion—affect physical activity and psychosocial outcomes among older adults. Using GIS-based neighborhood metrics and participant data from the CART study, the project explores how supportive community environments promote aging in place and well-being among older populations.
The Joint Collaborative on Geospatial Analysis and Health (JCoGAH)
The Joint Center on Geospatial Analysis and Health, a collaboration between UTHealth Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center, provides geospatial research support to investigators and community partners. The center develops mapping tools, spatial databases, and dashboards that enhance data-driven decision-making in health research. The Place and Health Lab contributes analytic expertise and student mentorship to projects addressing cancer prevention, chronic disease, and environmental exposures across Texas.
