Drystan Phillips

Current Research FocusThe process of aging, its similarities and differences between cultures and countries.

Why I Study What I StudyTreating the expanding resources of individual data with thoughtful and creative analysis we have the opportunity to tell meaningful stories about the ways people live, the societies that join us, and they ways both are changing.

What First Inspired Me to Pursue This FieldThe original focus of my research examined the intergenerational dynamics around social welfare assistance. My interests gradually broadened to consider the effects of both environment and behavior on our financial, physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

Recent FindingStress may affect depressive symptomatology differentially, depending on genetic sensitivity to it. In particular, recent stress is associated with increased depressive symptoms levels and this effect is greater for individuals with at least one short allele of the serotonin transporter gene promoter region (5-HTTLPR).

I Really Want to Know Why...How the combined dynamics of increasing longevity and decreasing birth rates are affecting the lives of both young and old people.

What I Want to Know NextWhat are the consequences and benefits of different imputation methods for addressing the issues of missing values in survey data.

Favorite High-Tech Research ToolStata

Favorite Low-Tech ToolsGraphing paper, colored pencils, a ruler, and a protractor

Motto“Now I approve of theorising also if it lays its foundation in incident, and deduces its conclusions in accordance with phenomena.” - Hippocrates

This Fascinates Me About Human BehaviorThe space between our experiences and our memories.

Hidden TalentI make a decent bagel