Our Mission
The Research on Social Policy Outcomes & Observational Trends (ROOT) Lab reduces [XYZ] by integrating legal epidemiology with social and behavioral science research. Our team leverages large observational datasets and mixed-methods approaches to identify structural and social determinants of health that shape behavior and mental health outcomes, especially for populations that have been [XYZ] policies, marketing, or industry interests.
Led by Dr. Teresa DeAtley, our mission is to translate evidence into policy and practice by building a robust feedback loop among research, policy, and program implementers to [XYZ] and improve population health.
Lab Goals: 2025-2028
- Establish bidirectional partnerships with clinicians, policymakers, advocates, interventionists, and implementation scientists to create a continuous feedback loop between research, policy, and practice.
- Develop national leadership in understanding how [XYZ] shape health behaviors and tracking legislation that affects health and social safety for [XYZ].
- Train and mentor the next generation of public health and clinical scholars in health behavior theory, methods, and advocacy.
- Promote open science and gain feedback from community members throughout the research process.
Research Topics & Project Areas
Datasets & Tools
- Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH)
- Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Survey (SEER)
- National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS)
- University of Utah Electronic Health Record Data
- Suicide Mortality Risk Study
- Temple University’s LawAtlas
Methods
- Mixed-methods
- Longitudinal modeling
- Quasi-experimental policy evaluation