The AQUASS (Advancing Quality and Uniform Access through the Social Sciences) Research Lab is dedicated to improving health and well-being by advancing equitable access to healthcare through interdisciplinary research grounded in medical anthropology, social network science, and implementation science. We investigate how social relationships, cultural beliefs, organizational structures, and health systems shape health and healthcare. By integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, we generate research that informs network interventions, healthcare education, and promotes patient-centered systems of care. Our work is driven by the understanding that health is shaped not only by biology and clinical care, but also by the social environments in which people live, learn, and seek treatment.
Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, the AQUASS Lab is committed to cultivating a collaborative environment that encourages methodological innovation, community engagement, and meaningful partnerships across disciplines. By combining the strengths of medical anthropology, social network science, implementation research, and public health, we strive to generate evidence that informs policy, transforms practice, and advances delivery of healthcare systems in which every individual has equitable access to high-quality, person-centered care and the social support needed to thrive.