Webinar Series

The SPH Network recently launched a webinar series. If you have any questions about upcoming events or want to share ideas for future webinar topics, please contact our Webinar Organizer, Erika Montanaro!

Upcoming Webinars:

  • The Company We Keep: Social Connections from Populations to Partners to Moments

    • Speaker: Tomiko Yoneda, Ph.D. (University of California, Davis)

    • In this talk, I will present a series of studies emphasizing the importance of social connections for health across individuals, couples, populations, and timescales. Using a coordinated analysis framework spanning 11 longitudinal studies representing 18 countries, I first examine the independent and joint effects of loneliness and social isolation on cognitive transitions and mortality risk. Synthesized findings indicate that loneliness, rather than isolation, is the more potent predictor of cognitive impairment and mortality. I then turn to dyadic daily and momentary processes across three intensive longitudinal datasets from Canada and Germany. Results show that partners’ shared and individually experienced emotions are linked with cortisol secretion, illustrating how experiences within close relationships can “get under the skin” to support healthier aging and development. Together, these findings highlight the multilevel pathways through which high-quality social connections shape mind, body, and health, reminding us that we are, in many ways, better together.

    • Friday, October 9th, 2026 at 1:00pm ET

    • See Event Flyer

    • Register Now!

Past Webinars:

  • Beyond the Academic Track: Career Journeys and Professional Possibilities

    • Speakers: Andy Hertel, Ph.D. (Samaritan Health Services) and Edward Witt, Ph.D. (Walgreens)

    • This panel-style webinar will feature professionals discussing their journeys beyond academia, strategies for pursuing non-academic careers, and the opportunities and challenges of translating academic training into diverse professional pathways.

  • Moderated Non-Linear Factor Analysis

    • Speakers: Iris McMillian, Ph.D. (Duke University Medical Center) and Sophia Magro, Ph.D. (Northwestern University)

    • This webinar will provide an overview of moderated non-linear factor analysis and will discuss its application to longitudinal measurement invariance and integrative data analysis.

  • Navigating the NIH Grant Submission Process

    • Please join us for a conversation with Dr. Carlos Garrido (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities) and Dr. Rebecca Ferrer (National Cancer Institute) about discuss the grant submission process and strategies for strengthening applications.

  • Thursday, December 11th, 2026 at 2:00pm ET

  • See Event Flyer

  • Academic Jobs & Job Application Preparation with Dr. Tiffany Berzins

    • Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 12:00pm ET

      • Our invited speaker, Dr. Tiffany Berzins, is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

      • Get ready to apply for academic positions with tips on crafting strong CVs, cover letters, and research/teaching statements. Learn what hiring committees look for and how to stand out in a competitive market.