My research program focuses in part on cardiovascular disease prevention in Asian American populations. Although much of my work relates to addressing the unique barriers and disparities in these communities, this work is broadly relevant. The underlying reasons that lead to differences and disparities are largely related to social risk and resilience factors, which are not exclusive to any one community.

By investigating the factors that contribute to cardiovascular risk among Asian American populations, we gain insights in the underlying factors that affect the health of all groups broadly. Since social determinants of health represent the conditions in which people are born, live, learn, age, work, and play, my research program has relevance for everyone. Our work to identify how social conditions influence health in individual groups and across populations lays the groundwork for interventions for individuals, health systems, communities, and policy that can bend the arc toward favorable health.

(Watch Dr. Shah's lecture: Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Asian Americans)

My research tackles a problem that affects communities nationwide: how commercial marketing for nicotine, tobacco, and cannabis products shapes the attitudes and substance use behaviors of teens and young adults. Today’s shelves and screens overflow with e-cigarettes, cannabis vapes, and edibles, pushed by flashy packaging, tempting flavors, health-oriented claims, and highly engaging social media content. These tactics often present risky substances as stylish, harmless, or even beneficial—content that lands most strongly with impressionable audiences. 

By dissecting every part of an ad, including its visuals, wording, and product design, my work shows how promotional advertising and marketing strategies spark product curiosity and trial among young people. These nuanced findings equip local and federal policymakers, inform media literacy resources for parents and educators, and guide targeted counter-marketing prevention efforts. Ultimately, my work empowers communities to spot and push back against influential and misleading marketing tactics, fostering environments that support healthier choices and long-term well-being.

(Watch Dr. Chen-Sankey's lecture: Unpacking the Influence of E-Cigarette Marketing Features: Insights into Appeal, Engagement, and Behavior)

In the U.S., type 1 diabetes has historically been difficult to study from a population perspective. We simply didn’t have enough information to make accurate assessments about the population. However, we now live in the era of “big” data, which enables us to see the number of people in the U.S. with the condition and how it’s being managed.

Systematically exploring this will allow us to understand where we’ve improved and where we’re falling short. For example, glucose control appears to be dramatically improving, largely due to improvements in diabetes technologically. This is important because it may translate into fewer adverse outcomes (such as heart or kidney disease) in the population. However, 80% of children and 70% of adults with the condition still are not meeting recommended glucose targets, which suggests there are still major areas for improvement in the population.

(Watch Dr. Fang's lecture: Type 1 Diabetes Management in the U.S.: Epidemiologic Evidence, Trends, and Emerging Challenges)