About me

I do research with the Social Development Research Group in the School of Social Work, University of Washington. My research interests include substance use epidemiology and the effects policies, programs, and where we live have on our health.

Emigrated from Vietnam, I was raised in Akron, Ohio (and hence, became just another kid from Akron). I received my PhD in Epidemiology at University of Washington, where my dissertation (advised by Isaac Rhew) examined the relationship between cannabis use and access on prescription opioid use and other related outcomes among injured workers. During my PhD training, I was a research assistant with the Occupational Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Program, under the direction of Gary Franklin and Deborah Fulton-Kehoe. We collaborated with WA State Labor & Industries in order to evaluate policies, best practices, and health delivery models aimed at reducing work-related injuries and disability.

I am a 2x alumni of The Ohio State University, where minoring in dubious traditions against the team from the north was common. Due to the wide utility of epidemiology, I’ve worked on some interesting projects, such as a health impact assessment of a multimodal transportation plan at Columbus Public Health and examining the comparative effectiveness of pediatric medications at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Outside of research, I enjoy toeing the line between DIY and DIWHY.