Her research agenda focuses on understanding how communication networks affect health outcomes among the poor, and in utilizing social network analysis, word-of-mouth communication, and marketing strategies to reach the underserved with relevant, trustworthy, and actionable information. Eddens served as coeditor for a special issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine focused on research parternships with 2-1-1 to eliminate health disparities. She received her PhD from Washington University in St. Louis and an MPH from Saint Louis University School of Public Health.