Kristen M. George

Kristen M. George, Ph.D., M.P.H. serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. Her academic appointment focuses on epidemiological research related to cognitive aging and dementia.

Education:

• B.A. in Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis
• M.P.H. in Epidemiology from University of Minnesota (2015)
• Ph.D. in Epidemiology from University of Minnesota (2019)

Dr. George's research program centers on life course cardiovascular contributions to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. She investigates how social determinants lead to inequities in cardiovascular risk factors and disease which subsequently contribute to disparities in cognitive aging and dementia. Her work emphasizes health disparities across racial and ethnic groups, particularly focusing on African American populations and how historical and contemporary social factors influence cognitive outcomes in later life.

Analysis of Dr. George's publication record reveals a strong focus on life course epidemiology of cognitive aging, with particular attention to cardiovascular risk factors across different life stages. Her work frequently examines racial and ethnic disparities in dementia, immigrant health, and the impact of social environments on cognitive outcomes. Recent publications demonstrate methodological rigor in studying complex relationships between social determinants, cardiovascular health, and cognitive aging.

Scientific Awards:

• Center for the Advancement of Multicultural Perspectives on Science (CAMPOS) Scholar, UC Davis (2021)
• NIH Travel Award (2020)
• JB Hawley Student Research Award, University of Minnesota (2016)

Dr. George is an active member of professional organizations including the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment and Methods in Longitudinal Dementia Research. Her research has been supported by various funding mechanisms, with a focus on understanding the complex interplay between cardiovascular health, social determinants, and cognitive aging across diverse populations. She appears to be establishing herself as a significant contributor to the field of dementia epidemiology with a particular focus on health disparities.