TEAM

Investigators

Daniel Oviedo

University College London
Principal Investigator

Dr. Daniel Oviedo is an Associate Professor at UCL's Development Planning Unit. With over fourteen years of international experience, he has focused on studying social, economic, and spatial inequalities in urban environments, with an emphasis on the role of urban mobility in perpetuating (in)equality and well-being. Dr. Oviedo has extensive experience leading international, interdisciplinary research in the Global South, engaging with vulnerable and disadvantaged communities through participatory methods in low- and middle-income countries.

Natalia Villamizar-Duarte

Newcastle University
Co-lead for WP1 and WP4

Dr. Natalia Villamizar-Duarte is a Lecturer at Newcastle University's School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape. She joins OWS as Co-lead for WP1 and WP4. She has over 15 years of academic and professional experience in urban planning and policy. Her work examines the intersection of mobility practices and urban policy and their impact on the built environment and human well-being. Her expertise includes assessing processes of policymaking and governance and fostering partnerships for engaged participation.
 

Julio D. Dávila

University College London
Co-lead for WP1 + Co-Investigator for WP4

Professor Julio Dávila is a civil engineer and urban development planner with substantial international experience from research and consultancy projects across 15 countries in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. His research investigates the impact of local government on progressive social and political transformation in developing nations. Professor Dávila's expertise includes governance concerning urban and peri-urban infrastructure, such as transportation, water, and sanitation, as well as the complex relationship between planning, urban informality, and the effects of rapid urbanization on health.

Olga Lucía Sarmiento

Universidad de los Andes
Co-lead for WP2 + Co-Investigator for WP1, WP3 and WP4

Professor Olga Lucía Sarmiento is the Director of the Epidemiology Departement at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia. Her research focuses on epidemiology on urban health, healthy behaviors, and the built environment in Latin America. She has global research involvement, including participation in the Our Voice Global Research Network across 15 countries. Her expertise includes using the Discovery Tool to study how urban environments and policies influence the health of city residents in Latin America.
 
 

Benjamin Chrisinger

Tuts University
Co-lead for WP2 + Co-Investigator for WP3 and WP4

Dr. Benjamin Chrisinger is a Lecturer at Tufts University. He has a background in urban planning, his interdisciplinary research explores the connection between place and health, focusing on health disparities and the potential of place-based policies to promote equity. His recent work examines neighborhood perceptions, health disparities, and the lasting impacts of historical events. Dr. Chrisinger’s expertise in technology and community-engaged methods will contribute to the development and testing of digital health tools within a citizen science framework, fostering collaboration across diverse OWS locations.

Sara Márquez Martín

Arquitectura Sin Fronteras (Mozambique)
Co-lead for WP3

Sara Márquez Martín conducts research in Positive Psychology, Urban/Rural Sociology, and Architectural Engineering. She specializes in developing the concept of “human building,” which emphasizes creating spaces for people within the planet's limits. At Architects Without Borders, she coordinates projects aimed at improving mobility and slum upgrading in Maputo, Mozambique.
 
 
 
 

Germán Casas

Universidad de los Andes
Co-lead for WP3 + Co-Investigator for WP2 and WP4

Professor Germán Casas is a children and adolescents psychiatrist and Professor at Universidad de los Andes, Colombia. He is currently the Postgraduate Director of the Medicine Faculty at Universidad de los Andes. As President of Medicine Sans Frontières for Latin America, he has diverse field experience in MSF projects, including roles as a General Doctor, Mental Health Officer, and field coordinator.
 
 

Carlos Serra

Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
Co-lead for WP3 + Co-Investigator for WP4

Professor Carlos Serra, a Lawyer, consultant, university lecturer, and environmental activist from the University of Eduardo Mondlane in Mozambique, will join OWS as Co-Lead for WP3 and Co-I for WP4. With expertise in environmental law, national and local governance, waste pollution, and the environment, he has extensive experience collaborating with public authorities, the private sector, NGOs, and various stakeholders in Mozambique. Professor Serra will play a crucial role as Co-Lead during WP3's Maputo pilot stage and guide WP4.

Julian Edbrooke-Childs

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Co-lead for WP4 + Co-Investigator for WP2 and WP3
 

Professor Julian Edbrooke-Childs is Head of Digital Development and Evaluation at the Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families, leads research aimed at empowering youth to take charge of their mental and health care, particularly in addressing social inequalities. With a background in health, applied research, and NHS studies encompassing health psychology, clinical psychology, and social psychology, he plays a crucial role as Research Advisor in promoting and evaluating research impact within this project.
 
 
 

Abby King

Standford University
Leader of the Our Voice team + Co-Investigator in WP1, WP2, WP3 and WP4

Professor Abby King from Stanford University in the USA will lead the Our Voice team for OWS, contributing to WP1, WP2, WP3, and WP4. With internationally recognised expertise in behavioural science, she applies evidence-based multi-level approaches to advance public health and promote health equity. Prof. King's work focuses on diverse populations, including racial/ethnic minorities and low-income individuals across the lifespan. She has conducted clinical trials and observational studies on key health behaviours, mental health, and digital health and communication tool development. Her research aims to extend the reach and sustainability of health programs worldwide.