Nell is a social demographer with more than 10 years of academic research in the social sciences, with a focus on the intersection of social connectivity, family structure, and health across the life course, particularly loneliness in older age. She has led or co-authored several published manuscripts and research reports, with nearly two dozen conference presentations across the U.S. She has formal training in quantitative methodologies and econometrics, with experience designing and implementing complex sampling approaches and surveys and qualitative research design and analysis. 

Nell analyzes data as a co-Investigator and research scientist on a number of National Institutes of Health-funded projects. She uses data from NORC’s National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) to examine links between older adults’ social networks, relationship transitions, and health and well-being. In related work, she investigates associations between older adults’ social connectivity and their caregiving experiences, including care burden and transitions into and out of caregiving. She previously led the analysis for a series of studies using NORC’s Chicago Health and Activity in Real-Time (CHART), which provided novel insight into the social and environmental contexts in which older adults may be at heightened risk for momentary loneliness, a unique and under-explored phenomenon. In collaboration with Bridge colleagues, Nell also consults on additional National Institute on Aging-funded studies and community-based programs that explore the antecedents and consequences of loneliness and social isolation. 

Prior to re-joining NORC in 2023, Nell was a researcher at a leading technology company. She designed and implemented mixed -methods studies to provide actionable insights related to proposed product changes and understand roadmaps for digital marketing experiences, including global surveys, log data analysis, and usability testing. In current work, Nell leverages this experience to lead user-centered research activities to inform the design and test the efficacy of various health-related interventions among diverse populations, including those aimed at reducing loneliness. Nell enjoys forming new connections and consulting with diverse entities to explore new and innovative solutions to complex social problems and health disparities.