Faustine Williams, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S.
Stadtman Tenure-Track Investigator
Dr. Faustine Williams staff profile | Lab members
Scientific Expertise
Population health, anxiety, depression, psychological distress, stress, mental health, mental well-being, immigrant health, and health disparities
Research and Programmatic Interests
Our work focuses on using transdisciplinary measures, such as community-based systems dynamics, to understand and disentangle the dynamic complexity underlying population mental health and well-being. Dr. Williams’ research goals are to conduct epidemiologic, behavioral, and clinical research to:
- Identify social, behavioral, and environmental risk factors that contribute to poor mental health outcomes across different demographic groups and geographic contexts;
- Disentangle the interplay of multiple factors and mechanisms that contribute to mental health disparities and identify protective factors that promote resilience; and
- Develop and implement targeted strategies to prevent and reduce mental health problems among populations at high risk.
Research Projects
Our team is utilizing several nationally representative datasets, in addition to collecting primary data, to investigate research questions on mental health.
National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is a nationwide survey that monitors the health of people across the United States. It collects data on topics including healthcare access, health behaviors, and health outcomes. Using NHIS, we aim to identify and understand the mechanisms underlying poor mental health and patterns of mental health service utilization among U.S. individuals.
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) is a nationally representative longitudinal survey that provides detailed information on health status, medical conditions, healthcare utilization, and healthcare expenditures for the U.S. civilian non-institutionalized population.
National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) is an annual, nationwide household survey funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The NSCH gathers parent- or guardian-reported data on the physical and mental health of children aged 0-17, as well as their healthcare access and family and neighborhood contexts. The dataset provides critical state and national information for improving child health and well-being.
The Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) is a national, longitudinal birth cohort study that follows children born in large U.S. cities beginning in 1998-2000. Originally designed to study unmarried parents and their children, the study has evolved into one of the richest sources of data on family dynamics, child development, and the transition to adulthood. Now following participants into young adulthood, FFCWS collects extensive information on health, education, economic well-being, family relationships, and social environments, making it a vital resource for understanding the factors that shape the lives and well-being of children and families in the United States.
Community-Based Data Gathering and Synthesis on Mental Health
In addition to secondary data analysis, our lab is conducting community-based research across New York City’s five boroughs (i.e., Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island). The goal of this multi-phase project is to better understand mental health among Black (i.e., Ghanaian) communities, with the broader aim of promoting overall well-being. The project uses a mixed-methods design, beginning with listening sessions and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and community members. These interviews aim to explore knowledge, attitudes, concerns, risk factors, and coping mechanisms related to mental health. By integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches, the project seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of mental health within these communities and to inform strategies for effective interventions.