As a public health scientist, she uses both qualitative and statistical methods to understand social and economic barriers to health, and to help develop and evaluate programs and policies to address these barriers. Her primary focus over the last several years has been on intersecting issues of food insecurity, economic vulnerability and health, including HIV, diabetes, and mental health. Her current research program addresses the interplay of chronic disease, HIV and social determinants of health, and is funded by NIH, Kaiser and UCSF.