As an interdisciplinary scholar, my work sits at the nexus of global public health, population dynamics, gender equality, and sustainable development. I lead international research collaborations to track trends and design solutions that improve lives and health outcomes for communities in diverse global contexts.

I am the Endowed Chair and Professor of the Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health at Columbia University.

My work spans critical issues—including adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, education, gender-based violence, climate change, migration, and poverty alleviation.

I advise on policy and agenda-setting in collaboration with multilateral and bilateral donors, private foundations, universities, UN agencies, and governments around the world.

I’m a results-driven leader in global health and development—bringing together academic science, nonprofit innovation, research strategy, partnership, and resource mobilization to develop social and health solutions that transform lives, reimagine systems, and inspire the next generation through teaching and mentorship.

Previously, I served as the Vice President of Social and Behavioral Science Research at Population Council, Vice President of Research at Innovations for Poverty Action, Head of Global Research at MSI Reproductive Choices, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, and a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health. I founded the Girl Innovation, Research, and Learning (GIRL) Center and the Adolescent Data Hub at the Population Council. I also conceptualized the Adolescent Atlas for Action (A3).

Country of experience: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Ethiopia, India, Ghana, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda, United Kingdom, Viet Nam, Zambia, and the US.

My publications and writing.