Andrew M. Parker

Andrew M. Parker is a Senior Behavioral and Social Scientist and Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. He is actively engaged in research at the intersection of behavioral decision science, public health, and emergency preparedness. His work is supported by major federal grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases.

His primary research interests include:

• Behavioral decision research and decision-making competence
• Emergency preparedness and community resilience
• Financial decision-making and retirement planning
• Vaccination behavior and risk perception
• Aging, mental health, and emotional well-being
• Public health policy and survey methodology

His recent publications highlight a strong focus on public responses to health emergencies, including influenza, Lyme disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has conducted extensive research on the Wireless Emergency Alerts system and public awareness during national tests. His work often employs survey research, behavioral experiments, and data from social media to understand public attitudes and behaviors.

Notable trends in his research include:

• Longitudinal analysis of risk perception during pandemics
• The role of social networks in spreading health-related beliefs
• Decision-making differences across age groups, particularly in aging populations
• Improving patient narratives and care quality assessment
• Equity and effectiveness in federal disaster programs
• Validation of behavioral measures with real-world outcomes

Andrew M. Parker received his education from top-tier institutions:

• Ph.D. and M.S. in Behavioral Decision Theory, Carnegie Mellon University
• M.S. in Statistics, Carnegie Mellon University
• B.A. in Psychology and Statistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

He has led and co-led significant federally funded research projects, including:

• National Science Foundation project on adult decision-making competence
• National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases project on influenza and COVID-19 risk perception and vaccination

He is also involved in advising and collaborative research, particularly in military and veteran health, as seen in studies on mild traumatic brain injury. He frequently contributes to policy discussions through webinars, presentations, and media engagement.

He is affiliated with RAND’s Homeland Security Research Division and National Security Research Division, contributing to interdisciplinary teams focused on public safety, disaster recovery, and national resilience.