Lauren Hersch Nicholas is a health economist and professor in the division of geriatric medicine. Her research focuses on the role of public policy in improving health and healthcare quality for the elderly. Her current research combines survey, administrative, and clinical data to study the interaction between healthcare utilization and economic outcomes. Dr. Nicholas's work uses clinical and econometric approaches to answer questions in medical and health economics, particularly for dementia, surgery and end-of-life care. She is a leading expert on the financial symptoms and consequences of dementia, work that has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and other major media outlets.