Director

Andrea Lago is the founder and director of the Unclaimed Lives Research Initiative, an independent research project dedicated to studying unclaimed human remains in the State of Florida. With a background spanning public policy research, demographic analysis, and public records investigation, Lago brings a multidisciplinary perspective to one of Florida's least examined social challenges.

Lago's research focuses on the intersection of social isolation, mortality, and public systems — examining how individuals fall through the gaps of family, community, and institutional support structures. Her work draws on extensive public records analysis, demographic data, and county-level policy review to build a comprehensive understanding of who goes unclaimed and why.

Prior to founding the initiative, Lago developed expertise in public records research, data analysis, and policy communication. She is committed to producing rigorous, accessible research that serves both the academic community and the policymakers, public health officials, and community organizations working to address the root causes of social isolation and unclaimed death.