Marc Adams studies the impact of operant learning and behavioral economics on public health. Adams is an associate professor for the College of Health Solutions and a behavioral scientist with a background in psychology and public health. His research focuses on how place influences behaviors, such as eating and walking, with the prevention of chronic diseases in mind. His research focuses on the combined effects of walkable, transit-oriented and recreation-friendly environments on physical activity levels of people across the life span.

Adams has received funding from the NIH to develop models of urban streetscapes that promote walking. His analyses of neighborhood environments have been used to develop geographic information systems. He has collaborated with the National Cancer Institute, the American Heart Association, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.