His research interests centre on health and lifestyles behaviour, critical public health, social determinants of health, and medical pluralism. A mixed-methods research design specialist, Fries's work, using both qualitative and quantitative data-collection methods, has appeared in Health Sociology Review, Refuge: Canada's Journal on Refugees, Journal of Mixed-Methods Research, and Canadian Ethnic Studies. Fries has also authored several book chapters, written on sociological matters for public consumption (for the Huffington Post and Winnipeg Free Press), and was recently given a Faculty Access Award for providing outstanding service in accommodations on campus for students with disabilities.