Research Hub

HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS

Our environmental research encompasses the natural, physical, built, and socio-cultural environments. We investigate broad environmental impacts on health and disease, while emphasizing policy and global health initiatives and enhancing health delivery through collaborative research.

• Infectious Diseases: We investigate airborne and environmental transmission of infectious pathogens, developing strategies to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses in various environments. (GEOH)

• Water Quality: We research water quality and public health, focusing on microbial risks and antimicrobial resistance in diverse water systems. (GEOH)

• Social Factors and Health Disparities: We investigate how social and structural determinants, including discrimination and racism, impact health disparities and behaviors in marginalized communities. (BCH, FMSC, HPM, KNES)

• Natural Environment: We examine the natural environment's influence on health, focusing on climate change, extreme weather, air pollution, chemicals, and other environmental exposures. (EPIB, GEOH, HPM)

• Built Environment and Urban Health: We explore the built environment's role in shaping urban health, physical activity, and cultural practices within communities. (BCH, KNES)

• Physical and Cultural Environment: We examine sport, physical culture, and societal systems shaping health behaviors among all communities. (KNES)

HEALTH ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

This research encompasses pregnancy and birth through older adulthood, examining how our collective experiences shape long-term health outcomes. Our work spans all ages and incorporates common health conditions, as well as social, behavioral, physiological, sex/gender, and equity-based factors that influence health outcomes.

• Aging & Physical Activity: We study the effects of exercise and physical activity on age-related health issues such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cognitive impairments, osteoarthritis, and declines in physical function. (KNES, EPIB)

• Resilience: We develop strategies to advance resilience by integrating healthcare systems, public health organizations, social service agencies, and community-based resources to enhance the well-being of older adults. (HPM)

• Developmental Stages and Intergenerational Health: We use a life course perspective to determine how well-being and health risks are developed in different stages of life and accumulate over time, focusing on long-term health trajectories, substance abuse, intergenerational transmission, and social factors that shape health outcomes. (BCH, FMSC, GEOH)

• Multimorbidity: We investigate the accumulation of multiple aging-related health issues, focusing on care coordination and management of multimorbidity. (EPIB, HPM)

• Optimizing Health & Human Performance: We examine the biomechanical, neural, energetic and psychological aspects of performance, focusing on mechanisms affecting performance and motor skill acquisition across all ages (KNES).

HEALTH DELIVERY PROGRAMS & SYSTEMS

This research focuses on improving healthcare delivery systems to enhance access, quality and equity in care. We examine how healthcare infrastructure, payment models, and policy shape care delivery, accessibility, utilization, and health outcomes. This work also examines broader social, structural, and political drivers of healthcare, using data-driven approaches to inform policy, reduce inequities, and improve population health outcomes.

• Healthcare Policy and Systems: We investigate healthcare policy and systems related to chronic diseases and health disparities to enhance access, quality, and outcomes, focusing on vulnerable populations. (HPM, EPIB, BCH, FMSC)

• Social, Neighborhood, Structural, and Political Drivers of Healthcare: This work uses data-driven and qualitative approaches to understand how these upstream factors influence inequities in care quality, utilization, and health outcomes. (HPM, GEOH, BCH, FMSC)

• Health Literacy: We investigate the role of health literacy in shaping healthcare access, decision-making, and patient engagement. (BCH) 

• Community-Based Interventions: We design and evaluate community-based interventions to enhance healthcare access, health communication, and engagement in care. (BCH, GEOH, KNES)

• Behavioral Health and Substance Use: We examine healthcare delivery for behavioral health and substance use services, with a focus on developing interventions to improve access, availability and reduce risk. (BCH)

INNOVATION IN HEALTH DATA & TECHNOLOGY

This research draws from diverse and emerging fields, aiming to create accessible health information tools, develop effective interventions, and promote health for all. We emphasize the use of advanced technologies and data-driven approaches to address both emerging and long-standing public health challenges, ultimately striving for more informed and equitable health solutions.

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: We investigate AI and machine learning applications in public health and healthcare systems to enhance data analysis, improve care coordination, and address disparities. (EPIB, FMSC, HPM)

• Digital and Technological Innovation: We leverage data and technology to develop health interventions in collaboration with community stakeholders to inform tools, interventions, and programs and improve mental and physical health. (BCH, FMSC, GEOH)

• Data Science and Statistical Methods: We utilize data science and advanced statistical methods to analyze complex biomedical data and solve real-world health problems. (EPIB, HPM)

• Health Communication: We explore health communication and digital innovation, focusing on creating accessible and culturally relevant tools to improve public health understanding. (BCH, FMSC)