Robert Agans

Dr. Robert Agans is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. He specializes in complex survey research, including sample design, questionnaire validation, and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Dr. Agans has directed over 50 projects since joining UNC in 2000, focusing on population-based surveys at local, state, and national levels. His research emphasizes innovative methodologies for hard-to-reach populations and cross-cultural survey validation.

Education: PhD in Social Psychology from Texas A&M University (1992), MA in Clinical Psychology from West Chester University (1989), and BA in Psychology from Saginaw Valley State University (1984).

Research interests include multi-mode data collection, questionnaire standardization, and translation methodologies. His recent work addresses challenges in enumerating marginalized groups, such as homeless populations, through advanced sampling techniques. Dr. Agans has served as Chair of the SAPOR Prothro Student Paper Competition since 2005 and has reviewed for journals like American Journal of Public Health and Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

Publications highlight his contributions to survey design innovation, including hybrid sampling methods (RDD+RDS) and translation validation frameworks. His work bridges statistical rigor with real-world public health applications, particularly in underrepresented communities.