Education

DegreeInstitutionYear
PhD, Health Systems & Services Research University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Expected Fall 2026
Graduate Certificate, Implementation Science University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 2023
MS, Healthcare Data Analytics University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 2021
Master of Health Services Administration University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 2012
BA, History Christian Brothers University 2008

Professional Experience

RoleOrganizationPeriod
Instructor UAMS 2025 – Present
Graduate Assistant UAMS 2025 – Present
Teaching & Research Assistant University of Texas Southwestern 2022 – Present
Senior Data Analyst Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas 2024 – 2025
Data Strategy, Internal Consultant Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas 2023 – 2024
Product Modernization, Consultant Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas 2020 – 2023
Medical Scribe Arkansas Surgical Hospital 2019
Research Assistant Arkansas Center for Health Improvement 2012 – 2014
Research Assistant UAMS, Dept. of Health Policy & Management 2011 – 2012

Dissertation

Three-paper format examining Type II diabetes using causal inference, statistical, and geospatial methods

PaperTopicMethods
1 Quasi-experimental evaluation of IRA's capped insulin copay in Medicare Advantage Difference-in-differences; IQVIA Pharmetrics Plus
2 APRN full practice authority impact on diabetes treatment outcomes Multi-level modeling; 5 A's framework
3 Emerging hotspot analysis of diabetic foot ulcer prevalence in Arkansas Emerging hotspot analysis; explanatory modeling

Publications

Bugolski, C., Watson, W.P., Young, S. G. "Privy by the Bay: Emerging Hotspot Analysis of 311 Reports of Human/Animal Waste Near San Francisco Pit Stop Locations." PLOS One, August 14, 2025.

In Press: Young, S. G., Truong, V., Watson, W.P., & Bogulski, C. A. "Geospatial evaluation of San Francisco, California's homeless encampment sweeps injunction." Frontiers in Public Health.

Selected Presentations

Watson, W.P., Lovell, R.L., and Bhai, M. "Impact of State Insulin Copayment Caps on Healthcare Utilization and Medication Adherence." ASHEcon, Nashville, TN, June 2025.

Watson, W.P., Owsley, K.O. "Deductible Type and the Impact on Family Utilization of Select Healthcare Services." Emerging Scholars Session, ASHEcon, San Diego, CA, June 2024.

Young, S.G., Bogulski, C.A, Watson, W.P., Truong, V. "Where can you go in San Francisco?" American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting, Honolulu, HI, April 2024.

Teaching

CourseTerm
Introduction to Health Policy & the Political System Spring 2025, Spring 2026
Introduction to the American Health System Summer 2025

Technical Skills

CategoryDetails
Programming Python, R, SAS, SQL
Statistical Methods Causal inference, difference-in-differences, synthetic controls, longitudinal data analysis, experimental design, counterfactual analysis, structural modeling, program evaluation
Machine Learning Stacked ensemble methods, deep learning for prediction
Data Platforms IQVIA Pharmetrics Plus, HCUP datasets, Epic Cosmos (trained super-user), BRFSS, large-scale administrative claims databases, distributed computing
Tools Tableau, high-performance computing clusters, Git, GIS software
Domain Healthcare data standards, insurance claims processing, EHR systems, regulatory compliance (HIPAA, ACA)

Awards & Affiliations

Student Scientific Writing & Review Training Committee, CDC: Preventing Chronic Disease (2024–2025). Institute for Humane Studies Mentorship Grant ($8,000).

Professional memberships: American Society for Health Economists, AcademyHealth, American Economics Association, AHIP, Southern Economic Association.