A long career of research predominantly in the US on adolescent reproductive behavior has been expanded in recent years to include international research - with a current study bringing China and Taiwan to the table together along with Vietnam for a study of adolescents and youth in the context of changing societies.

A major interest in pregnancy intention has included research into the consequences of abortion and the effects of partnerships on pregnancy intention.

Because interest has focused on the intersection of basic and social science - the intersection of research with the real world - considerable work has been concerned with intervention and its measurement, and the implications of research for policy and program.

As Founding Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, those interests are now focused on many countries in the developing world as well as continuing to include projects within the United States.

Social science and policy implications of contraception, abortion, sterilization and adolescent sexual behavior and pregnancy - domestic and international; adolescent pregnancy prevention programs; family planning policies and programs.

Vassar College, Distinguished Achievement Award, 2008

Healthy Teens Network, Outstanding Researcher Award, 2007

Guttmacher Institute, Director Emeritus, 2006

Carl S. Shultz Award, American Public Health Association, 2003

ISI Most Highly Cited - Social Sciences, 2003

Laurie Schwab Zabin Scholarhip Fund, established by JHSPH, 2002

American Civil Liberties Union/ACLU Foundation of Maryland - Elizabeth Gilman Civil Liberties Award, 1996.

The Robert S. Rixse Memorial Lecture, Children's National Medical Center, 1995.

Irvin M. Cushner Award - National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, 1992.

Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society, 1991.

Margaret Sanger Award - Planned Parenthood Association of Maryland, 1977.

Vassar Fellowship for Graduate Study at Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Phi Beta Kappa Prize - Senior year, Vassar College, 1946.

Phi Beta Kappa - Junior year, Vassar College, 1945.