Assistant Professor Nancy Wells, Design and Environmental Analysis and Bronfenbrenner Life Course Center, studies the impact of built and natural aspects of the residential environment on human health and well-being through the life course. Her studies examine:
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| Photo credit: Chris Hildreth |
- effects of housing quality on psychological well-being
- impact of nearby nature on cognitive functioning
- effects of neighborhood design features on physical activity and obesity
Her current research takes advantage of “natural experiments” provided by the relocation of Habitat for Humanity participants to new neighborhoods. This allows her to examine the impact of neighborhood design on residents’ physical activity -- and to identify changes in the physical activity and health trajectories of women and children as they experience a significant life course transition.
She has current funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Active Living Research Program.
