About
Titles
Associate Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences)
Biography
Founder & Director, Society, Connectedness and Health (SOCAH) Lab
"Guided by Spirit, Rooted in Experience, and Supported by Science."
Transforming public health through a holistic well-being approach. Dr. Ransome's research integrates social connectedness, contemplative practices, and digital technology to address complex public health challenges. As a leading researcher at Yale School of Public Health, his innovative work focuses on creating sustainable pathways to health, wealth, and prosperity for historically underserved communities both in the United States and globally.
Research Impact & Innovation
At the forefront of the SOCAH Lab, Dr. Ransome directs a multidisciplinary team employing methodologies in unique ways that combine:
- Advanced quantitative survey analysis
- In-depth qualitative research through interviews and focus groups
- Geospatial data science applications
- Artificial intelligence tools for public health solutions
Dr. Ransome's research has been featured in top-tier public health journals including the American Journal of Public Health and Social Science & Medicine. Dr. Ransome's commitment to accessibility ensures his findings reach beyond academia through community engagement events, digital storytelling initiatives, and practical well-being products that empower communities to thrive.
Academic Excellence & Training
Dr. Ransome brings extensive training to his work, including:
- Alonzo Smythe Yerby Postdoctoral Fellowship, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- DrPH in Public Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
- MPH in Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health
Vision for Transformative Impact
The SOCAH Lab's work addresses critical social determinants of health through innovative research-to-practice frameworks. By identifying and addressing root causes of sub-optimal health, Dr. Ransome's research provides actionable insights for policymakers, community organizations, faith-based institutions, government entities, and healthcare systems.
Outside the lab, Dr. Ransome enjoys playing, watching soccer, and spending time at the beach.
Appointments
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Associate Professor on TermPrimary
Other Departments & Organizations
- Public Health Data Science and Data Equity
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Society Connectedness and Health (SOCAH)
- Yale School of Public Health
Education & Training
- HIV Prevention Trials Network Domestic Scholar/ Research Fellow
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2017)
- Alonso Smythe Yerby Postdoctoral Fellow
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2016)
- DrPH
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Sociomedical Sciences (2014)
- MPH
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Health Behavior and Health Education (2009)
- BS
- Brooklyn College, Business Management and Science (2003)
Research
Overview
Dr. Ransome's current priority research areas include:
- Building social connectedness to buffer mental health, improve community resilience, and reduce healthcare costs.
- Strengthening faith-based infrastructure to improve community health and economic well-being.
- Developing interventions that integrate contemplative practices, belief systems, and artificial intelligence to strengthen well-being.
- Leveraging the science of strengths through portable technologies to optimize well-being.
Medical Research Interests
Public Health Interests
Academic Achievements & Community Involvement
News & Links
Media
At our dont diss connection event, participants write what social connection means to them.
News
- June 30, 2025
A Data-Driven Approach to Understanding Church Closures
- May 08, 2025
Documentary Highlights Mental Health Benefits of Social Connections
- February 19, 2025Source: Psychology Today
Spirituality Can Quell Rising Anxiety and Mental Distress
- November 06, 2024Source: The Fulcrum
What our president-elect should do about social connectedness