This project analyzes the relationship between immigration, assimilation and health, with a particular focus on Hispanics in the US. It seeks to answer the core question: Is assimilation good or bad for health?

The project involves a number of different studies:

1. “Why Does the Health of Immigrants Deteriorate” – a study of the generational worsening of health observed in the birth outcomes of Hispanics in the United States.
2. “Are Taquerias Healthier than American Fast-Food Restaurants?” – an examination of the effect of food-environment on excessive weight gain.

This project uses a combination of innovative model development and in-depth data analysis to compare predicted health trajectories with those actually observed.

Several publications and invited seminars have arisen through this work.