B.L.A. University of Missouri-Kansas City 1999
MPH Saint Louis University School of Public Health 2007
Ph.D. Washington University in St. Louis 2012

• 2019-present, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
• 2017-2019, Assistant Research Scientist, Indiana University Network Science Institute, Bloomington, IN
• 2012-2017, Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Behavior & Society, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY

Scholarly Interest

Dr. Eddens' research focuses on the methodological development of social network methods to more efficiently understand the social epidemiology of health outcomes such as cancer and the effects of networks on the cancer prevention and control and survivorship continuum. Dr. Eddens has expertise in social network methods and analysis, applied health communication, technology development, and community-based research in rural and urban health disparities. Her research and teaching agenda focus on understanding the role of social networks within social determinants of disease onset, health care access, and health outcomes. She investigates ways to use engaging technology to improve network data collection methods and measurement, to build upon the research on social connections conducted by epidemiologists such as Berkman, Syme, and Kawachi. By gathering more rigorous and detailed data on the social ties of individuals and communities, we can expand our understanding of their impact on health, and use these network data to improve the efficacy of intervention strategies to connect the underserved to health services, support, and solutions.

Dr. Eddens has co-created two software platforms for collecting social network data, called OpenEddi (2012-2017) and Enso (2017-present).

Research interest keywords

• Social network analysis
• Social epidemiology
• Methods and measurement
• Applied health communication
• Cancer prevention, control, and survivorship
• Health-related technology development

Eddens KS, Kreuter MW, Morgan JC, Beatty KE, Jasim SA, Garibay L, Tao D, Buskirk TD, Jupka KA. Disparities by Race and Ethnicity in Cancer Survivor Stories Available on the Web. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2009;11(4):e50. PMID: 19945948; PMCID: PMC2802561; DOI: 10.2196/jmir.1163 Available from: http://www.jmir.org/2009/4/e50/

Eddens KS, Kreuter MW, Archer K. Proactive screening for health needs in United Way’s 2-1-1 information and referral service. Journal of Social Services Research. 2011;37(2):113-123. PMID: 22643622; PMCID: PMC4059208; DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2012.0061

Hall KL, Stipelman BA, Eddens KS, et al. Advancing collaborative research with 2-1-1 to reduce health disparities: challenges, opportunities, and recommendations. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2012;43(6S5):S518 –S528. PMID: 23157775; PMCID: PMC3993989; DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.09.026

Kreuter MW, Eddens KS, Alcaraz KI, et al. If you refer them, will they call? Use of cancer control referrals by 2-1-1 callers: a randomized trial. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2012;43(6S5):S425–S434. PMID: 23157761; PMCID: PMC3513377; DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.09.004

Eddens KS, Alcaraz KI, Kreuter MW, Rath S, Greer R. A 2-1-1 research collaboration: participant accrual and service quality indicators. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2012;43(6S5):S483–S489. PMID: 23157769; PMCID: PMC3508469; DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.09.007

Eddens KS. Guiding principles for collaborative research with 2-1-1. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2012;43(6S5):S512–S517. PMID: 23157774; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2012.09.020

Purnell JQ, Griffith J, Eddens KS, Kreuter MW. Mobile Technology, Cancer Prevention, and Health Status among Diverse, Low-income Adults. American Journal of Health Promotion. 2014;28(6):397-402. PMID: 24200336; PMCID: PMC4045653; DOI: 10.4278/ajhp.120816-ARB-396

Kreuter MW, McBride TD, Caburnay C, Poor T, Sanders-Thompson V, Alcaraz KI, Eddens KS, Rath S, Perkins H, Casey C. What can health communication science offer for ACA implementation? Five evidence-informed strategies for expanding Medicaid enrollment. The Milbank Quarterly. 2014;92(1):40-62. PMID: 24597555; PMCID: PMC3955377; DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12040

Eddens KS, Fagan JM, Collins T. An Interactive, Mobile-Based Tool for Personal Social Network Data Collection and Visualization among a Geographically Isolated and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Population: Early-Stage Feasibility Study With Qualitative User Feedback. JMIR Res Protoc 2017;6(6):e124. PMID: 28642217 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.6927

Fagan JM, Eddens KS, Vanderford N, Dolly J, Weiss H. Assessing Research Collaboration in a Cancer Center through Co-authorship Network Analysis. Journal of Research Administration. 2018;49(1):76-99.

Eddens KS, Fagan JM. Comparing accuracy of nascent approaches for gathering alter-tie data for egocentric studies. Social Networks. 2018;55(October):130-141.

Alcaraz KI, Eddens KS, Blase JL, Diver WR, Patel AV, Teras LR, Stevens VL, Jacobs EJ, Gapstur SM. Social Isolation and Mortality in US Black and White Men and Women. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2019;188(1):102-109.