Dr. Carnes is interested in why organisms die, why they die when they do, and why they die of the things they do. To pursue these questions, he has melded his training in biology and statistics into an approach to research that he calls the biodemography of aging – a field of scientific study he helped create that is now recognized around the world. Dr. Carnes has used his biodemographic approach to reveal mathematical properties of the age pattern of death that are shared by all species, to identify factors that influence longevity as well as their relative importance, and to estimate upper limits for both the longevity of individuals and the life expectancy of populations. In an effort to reach beyond the scientific community, Dr Carnes has co-authored a book for the general public, published articles with colleagues in widely read magazines like Scientific American, given numerous interviews to National Public Radio as well as to local and national television networks, was featured in a documentary aired on the Discovery Health channel and gives talks on the science of aging and longevity at a variety of community venues. Dr Carnes hopes that his research will contribute to a better understanding of the health and mortality consequences of aging for both individuals and populations.