Research
The School of Public Health has a rich tradition of interdisciplinary research addressing public health challenges that impact local, state, national and global populations.
Developing Innovative Solutions
Our researchers use interdisciplinary inquiry to answer complex problems in community and rural health, health policy and delivery, ergonomics, global and border health, informatics, environmental health, population health and aging, program evaluation, environmental toxins, research methodology and disaster preparedness and response.
Research centersEngaging students
Research programs
Resources for faculty
Environmental & Occupational Health research
Environmental Hazards Healthy Aging Worker’s Safety Ergonomics | Ferrate Environmental, Toxicity, Hazard Mitigation Asthma & Air Quality
Epidemiology & Biostatistics research
Study Design Analysis & Literature Review Statistical Methods and Modeling Maternal & Child Health Adolescent Mental Health | Air Pollution & Alzheimer’s Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Cancer Epidemiology
Health Policy & Management research
Hospital & Healthcare System Quality Innovations to Improve Access Health Law & Policy Rural and Other Underserved Populations | Health Disparities in Urban vs. Rural settings Health Economics Research Methods, Data Science, Modeling
Health Behavior research
Community Health & Engagement Physical Activity Interventions Behavioral Surveys & Assessments Childhood Injuries | Chronic Disease Health Disparities Nutrition
Dr. Gang Han is a biostatistician who has collaborated on projects totaling over $18 million and is author or co-author on more than 90 peer-reviewed articles. His research focuses on statistical computing, Bayesian analysis, HIV viral load modeling, survival analysis methods in cancer research, design and analysis of Phase I/II clinical trials and translational studies, and statistical methods in the development of personalized medicine.
Dr. Alva O. Ferdinand is a health policy expert who exemplifies thoughtful, collaborative, and important contributions to several areas of public health research. Her research primarily focuses on disparities in health outcomes, state and federal regulation of health care delivery and the effectiveness of laws aimed at improving public health. She is most widely known for her work on the impact of texting while driving bans on reducing roadway injuries and deaths.
Dr. Xiaohui Xu exemplifies a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to environmental epidemiology research. He recently received a $2.4 million multi-institutional grant from NIA/NIEHS to study effects of air pollution on brain health – with a focus on the potential impacts of long-term air pollution exposure on later life Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Dr. Natalie Johnson’s innovative work characterizing air pollution exposure during pregnancy has been recognized with an Outstanding New Environmental Scientist Award from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. This $2 million+ multiyear grant will fund research to to combat infant respiratory diseases.
Valuable experience and vital contributions
Public health students have opportunities to participate in a wide variety of research-focused activities. The Students to Faculty Initiative (S2F) is a tool that connects students to current projects our faculty are conducting.
Every year during our annual Public Health Week, students also have the opportunity to showcase their research involvement by competing in the Dr. Jean Brender Poster Symposium.
