Dr. Duncan Thomas

Biography

Duncan Thomas is the Norb F. Schaefer Distinguished Professor of International Studies in Trinity College of Arts and Sciences at Duke University. His research interests focus on population health development, with work delving into the family dynamics that provide empirical evidence on the resources allocated to families in low-resource environments. He emphasizes the role of female empowerment in improving well-being across generations and seeks to understand the mechanisms that explain how healthier people lead to richer societies. His significant research contributions include implementing large-scale randomized studies that deepen our understanding of these complex issues. Thomas has held various prestigious affiliations, including Faculty Research Scholar at Duke University's Population Research Center and the Center for Population Health & Aging. He has also been involved with the Duke Initiative for Science & Society and the Duke Global Health Institute. His scholarly work has been published in numerous journals, covering topics like the long-term impacts of disasters on educational outcomes and adult cognition in low-income settings. Thomas has received research funding from notable institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and the University of North Carolina, to further his studies in these crucial areas.

Research Interests

Experience