Research that changes the frame.

People constantly develop new ways of doing things, but innovation research has often lacked a way to recognize behaviors as innovations in their own right.

This pilot study developed the concept of behavioral innovation and tested a semantic-search approach for locating novel, useful techniques in large-scale Reddit discussions. It demonstrated a new route for finding grassroots solutions in naturally occurring community data.

Traditional public health models often position experts as intervention designers and community members as recipients. This paper proposed an assets-based complement.

Drawing on user innovation, lead-user methods, positive deviance, and community platforms, it outlines how public health researchers can identify, improve, and diffuse interventions already developed by users.

Young women with breast cancer frequently experience changes in sexual functioning, yet practical support may be limited. This study examined self-educated and peer-recommended techniques women used during treatment and survivorship.

The findings make visible both the resourcefulness of women and the social pathways through which practices are discovered, tested, and shared.

As Research Director at The Better Lab, I developed research strategy and evaluation methods across a portfolio of human-centered healthcare projects.

The work included trauma-informed care in acute surgery, mobile tools for violence intervention programs, home safety assessment for older adults, micromobility injury prevention, and digital adherence support for tuberculosis care.