Nicholas Christakis

Nicholas Christakis

Nicholas A. Christakis is an American sociologist and physician known for his research on social networks and the socioeconomic, biosocial, and evolutionary determinants of behavior, health, and longevity. He is the Sterling Professor of Social and Natural Science at Yale University, where he directs the Human Nature Lab.

Early Life and Education

Christakis was born on May 7, 1962, in New Haven, Connecticut. He earned a B.S. in biology from Yale University in 1984, an M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1989, and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995.

Career

Christakis began his career as a physician and sociologist, focusing on the impact of social networks on health. He has held faculty positions at the University of Chicago and Harvard University before joining Yale University.

Research

Christakis is renowned for his work on the spread of behaviors and phenomena through social networks. His research has demonstrated how social networks can influence a wide range of behaviors, including smoking, obesity, and happiness. He has also studied the role of social networks in the spread of infectious diseases.

Publications

Christakis has authored several influential books, including Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives and Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society. His work has been published in numerous academic journals and has received widespread media coverage.

Personal Life

Christakis is married to Erika Christakis, an early childhood educator and author. They have three children.

Awards and Honors

Christakis has received numerous awards for his contributions to sociology and medicine, including election to the Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

See Also

• Sociology
• Social networks
• Epidemiology
• Yale University
• Harvard Medical School