INNOVATING TO IMPROVE HEALTH FOR ALL
School of Public Health researchers study how individual, family, community, environmental and structural conditions, healthcare systems, policies and technology shape health and well-being. We explore issues such as environmental exposures, infectious diseases, physical activity, social determinants of health and health disparities. We also focus on improving healthcare access, quality and equity through better policies, communication strategies and listening to our communities. Our researchers develop, implement and evaluate interventions that promote health and prevent disease by addressing behavioral, family, social, environmental and community factors across the life course. By leveraging interdisciplinary research, data science and emerging technologies, we develop evidence-informed solutions to promote healthier lives for all.
HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS
We examine how natural, physical, built, and social environments affect health and disease worldwide. Through collaborative research, we investigate environmental influences on health and disease and develop evidence-based strategies, policies, and interventions to create healthier, more equitable environments and communities.
- Airborne Infectious Diseases: We investigate airborne and environmental transmission of infectious pathogens and develop strategies to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses across diverse settings. (GEOH)
- Water Quality: We research water quality and public health, focusing on microbial and chemical risks, as well as antimicrobial resistance, across 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, GEOH, HPM, KNES)
- Extreme Weather and Environmental Pollutants: We examine the impact of climate change, extreme weather, air pollution, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants on public health. (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, GEOH, KNES)
- Physical and Cultural Environment: We examine sport, physical culture, and societal systems that shape health behaviors across all communities. (KNES)
INNOVATION IN HEALTH DATA & TECHNOLOGY
This research draws from diverse and emerging fields, aiming to create accessible health information tools, increase access to digital tools and services, 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. (BCH, EPIB, FMSC, GEOH, HPM)
- Digital and Technological Innovation: We leverage data and technology to develop health interventions in collaboration with community stakeholders, informing tools, interventions, and programs that improve mental and physical health. (BCH, FMSC, GEOH, HPM)
- 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, GEOH, HPM)
- Early Warnings for Public Health Preparedness: We apply machine-learning-based methods to synthesize large data sets (electronic health records, satellite observations, surveys, weather forecasts) to develop early warning systems for public health preparedness. (EPIB)
- Health Communication and Digital Health Literacy: We explore health information, digital tools, and barriers to access and use across a wide range of digital health technologies, focusing on creating accessible and culturally relevant tools and content to improve public health understanding and action. (BCH, FMSC, GEOH)
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, healthcare services’ navigation 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 policies and systems related to chronic diseases and health disparities to enhance access, quality, and outcomes, with a focus on vulnerable populations. (BCH, EPIB, FMSC, HPM)
- 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. (BCH, FMSC, GEOH, HPM)
- Health Literacy: We investigate the role of health literacy in shaping healthcare access, system navigation, communication with healthcare providers, digital health, decision-making, and patient engagement. (BCH)
- Community-Based Interventions: We design and evaluate community-based interventions to enhance access to healthcare, health information and communication, and engagement in care. (BCH, GEOH, KNES)
- Behavioral Health and Substance Use: We examine healthcare delivery for behavioral health and addiction treatment, with a focus on quality improvement and improving access. (BCH, HPM)
HEALTH ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
This research encompasses pregnancy and birth through older adulthood, examining how our personal and collective experiences shape long-term health outcomes. Our work spans all ages and focuses on a range of common health conditions, as well as social, behavioral, physiological, sex/gender, and equity-based factors that influence health outcomes. This research is critical for designing and implementing prevention and early intervention strategies.
- Chronic and Infectious Diseases: We explore the local and global burden of chronic and infectious diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, HIV/STIs, and emerging health threats to better understand disease risk, health disparities, and opportunities for prevention. (BCH, EPIB)
- Aging & Physical Activity: We study the effects of exercise and physical activity on age-related health issues, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cognitive impairments, osteoarthritis, and declines in physical function. (EPIB, HPM, KNES)
- Resilience and Social Connectedness: We develop and evaluate strategies to integrate healthcare systems, public health organizations, social service agencies, and community-based resources to promote healthy aging, well-being, and health equity. (BCH, HPM)
- Developmental Stages and Intergenerational Health: We use a life course perspective to examine how health and well-being develop across life stages and how health risks and protective factors accumulate over time. Our research focuses on long-term health trajectories, intergenerational influences, behaviors, and social factors that shape health outcomes. (BCH, FMSC, GEOH)
- Maternal and Reproductive Health: We investigate the multiple factors that influence women's reproductive health and the perinatal period. We focus on how environmental, social, and structural factors influence maternal and infant health outcomes. Understanding infertility and the risk factors that contribute to it can help close gaps in reproductive health care and access. (BCH, EPIB, FMSC, GEOH)
- Multimorbidity: We investigate the accumulation of multiple age-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 Information and Communication: We analyze and design materials for children, youth, parents, care partners and older adults looking for information for health decisions and actions. (BCH, GEOH)