Tongtan “Bert” Chantarat is a research scientist at the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity, University of Minnesota. Dr. Chantarat bridges theories and methods from sociology, epidemiology, and decision science to understand the mechanisms that produce and reinforce racial health inequities and identify effective strategies to disrupt them. His current research programs include 1) examining how structural racism causes poor health among racialized populations, 2) using mathematical models (e.g., microsimulations, agent-based models) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of antiracist interventions, and 3) understanding the role of work and workplace as drivers of racial health inequities. His work was supported by NICHD, NIOSH, HRSA, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Dr. Chantarat earned a Ph.D. in Health Services Research, Policy, and Administration from the University of Minnesota and an M.P.H. in Epidemiology from Columbia University.
Addressing racism requires a diverse health services research (HSR) workforce. A team of researchers is now fielding a survey on perceptions of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The eventual findings will help address the lack of progress in in the HSR field.