Spatial Health Lab

We seek to apply innovative study designs, new technologies, and geospatial data science approaches to understand how environmental conditions influence human health and translate this information into effective policy and prevention activities.

The Spatial Health Lab specializes in the following areas

Human and Planetary Health

Our research in Human and Planetary Health focuses on understanding the complex connections between human health and wellness and the health of our planet.

Colorful abstract map with geometric shapes and lines.

Environmental Exposure Science

A primary goal of our research is to develop innovative exposure assessment methods by integrating advanced geospatial analysis, data science, and interdisciplinary study designs.

Aerial view of a residential neighborhood with houses, roads, and trees.

Healthy Built Environments

The Spatial Health Lab specializes in identifying and measuring the key characteristics of cities, communities, and neighborhoods that influence individual health behaviors and outcomes.

Aerial view of a city skyline in hazy, smoggy conditions.

Air Pollution

We are conducting a series of research studies across the United States and globally that assess air pollution exposures and examine their associations with both acute and chronic health impacts.

A complex network diagram with various nodes and connections.

Social Media Analytics for Environmental Health

We are developing data science methods and AI tools to use social media data to measure environmental exposures, perceptions, behaviors and health-related outcomes.

A portable air filter unit with a digital display and control buttons.

Environmental Health Accountability Studies

We assess the effectiveness of environmental regulations, such as traffic emission controls and free portable air conditioner and air filter programs, in improving health outcomes.

Updates and news

June 11, 2025
Perry Hystad named 2024 Top Scholar by ScholarGPS
This recognition places him among the top 0.5% of scholars worldwide based on publication record, impact and the… Read more
October 8, 2024
New paper published in Lancet Global Health assessing the built environment through photographs and its association with obesity in 21 countries
First study to assess built environment characteristics through photographs in diverse global communities to examine… Read more
September 25, 2024
$600K grant to further climate-health research
This research will assess climate-driven exposures for PURE communities using state-of-the-art geospatial assessment… Read more

Recent publications

See more publications

2026

Azab, S.M., Anand, S.S., Doiron, D., Schulze, K., Brook, J.R., Brauer, M., Desai, D., Friedrich, M.G., Bangdiwala, S.I., Ho, V., Dummer, T.J., Poirier, P., Tardif, J.C., Teo, K.K., Lear, S.A., Hystad, P., Yusuf, S., Smith, E.E., de Souza, R.J., Awadalla, P., Black, S.E., Philippe, B., Dick, A., Hicks, J., Kelton, D., Kirpalani, A., BarthaKnoppers, M., Larose, E., Lee, D.S., Leipsic, J.A., Marcotte, F., Moody, A.R., Noseworthy, M., Parraga, G., Parker, L.A., Tu, J.V., Vena, J.E. (2026) Association of Air Pollution With Brain Health: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Adults Living in Canada Stroke

Doiron, D., Jovanovic Andersen, Z., Bozigar, M., Habre, R., Hystad, P., Jarvis, I., Knapp, D., Luben, T.J., Patel, P., Pinto, J.M., Ritz, B., Volckens, J., Wellenius, G.A., Lee, J., Brauer, M., Brook, J.R., Adar, S.D. (2026) Integrating the physical environment into Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias research: A Gateway Exposome Coordinating Center (GECC) agenda on gaps and priorities Alzheimer's & Dementia 22(4)

Logie, C.H., Admassu, Z., MacNeil, A., Hasham, A., Mbuagbaw, L., Evelia, H., Kagunda, J., Omondi, B., Gachoki, C., Chege, M., Mwangi, M., Gittings, L., Dorea, C., Hystad, P., Turan, J.M., Narasimhan, M. (2026) Associations between extreme weather events, resource insecurities, and HIV vulnerabilities with self-reported urinary tract infection symptoms among adolescent girls and young women in Kenya The Journal of Climate Change and Health 28

Winsor, G.L., Cook, J., Edwards, K., Gill, E., Petersen, C., Garlock, E.S., Griffiths, E., Ames, S.A., Erdman, L.M., Becker, A.H., Denburg, J.A., Patrick, D., Doiron, D., Jones, M., Dai, V., Al-Mamaar, K., Kwan, A., Lee, B., Mercada Mendoza, L., Sbihi, H., Azeez, R.M., Dai, D., Qiam, Y.C., He, S., Parks, J.G., Reyna, M., Bode, L., Duan, Q., Eiwegger, T., Goldenberg, A.J., Lotoski, L., McNagny, K., Surette, M.R., Takaro, T.K., Hystad, P., et al. (2026) Exposomics for childhood asthma medRxiv

Gause, E.L., Kuriyama, A.S., Kirwa, K., Spangler, K.R., Hystad, P., Wellenius, G.A., Wise, L.A., Wesselink, A.K. (2026) Using wearable devices to measure personal heat exposure in a preconception cohort Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology