Two students discuss research at a Spring 2024 poster presentation.
Research across aging, mental health, and infectious diseases drives transformative public health initiatives globally.
Researchers at the Gillings School strive to find answers to pressing public health problems across a wide range of disciplines. We continue to engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary projects across many topics, including infectious disease preparedness, aging, climate change and health, mental health, and artificial intelligence in public health.
by Kari North, PhD (Associate Dean for Research)
To extend our research impact and reach, we developed an ambitious six-year strategic plan that aims to:
- Strengthen our research infrastructure;
- Better support collaboration and community engagement;
- Create a more inclusive, supportive research environment; and
- Accelerate and communicate our impact with other researchers and academic institutions, prospective students and key constituents, such as practitioners, community members, funders, legislators and policy makers, and the media.
We have embarked on the implementation of this plan through partnerships with members from across the Gillings School community to achieve our goal of improving our direct public health action through our research.
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Examples of recently funded projects include:
- Mapping the Causal Genetic-Imaging-Clinical Pathway for Alzheimer’s Disease – PI: Hongtu Zhu, BIOS; funded by the National Institute on Aging, $2,151,878
- Assessment of Ambient Air Pollution Associated with Wood-Pellet Manufacturing – PI: Will Vizuete, ESE; funded by the Environmental Defense Fund, $333,612
- Integrating Molecular Pathology, Radiology and Genetics to Improve Breast Cancer Risk Prediction – PI: Melissa Troester, EPID; funded by the Department of Defense, $3,863,892
- A complex systems approach to understand the impacts of neighborhood development on physical activity in Latine and Black communities – PI: Natalicio Serrano, HB; funded by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, $260,000
- Evaluating a remotely delivered, digital health colorectal cancer screening intervention among racially diverse patients of a community health center – PI: Leah Frerichs, HPM; funded by the National Cancer Institute, $1,228,290
- Enhancing HIV prevention and reducing alcohol use among people receiving STI care in Malawi: An HIV status neutral approach – PI: Angela Parcesepe, MCH; funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, $424,221
- Building a Real-World Evidence Base for Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Older Adults with Diabetes – PI: Anna Kahkoska, NUTR; funded by the National Institue on Aging, $520,988
- Region 4 Center for Public Health Preparedness and Response – PI: John Wiesman, HPM; funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, $773,000. (Read article)
- Recognizing & Addressing Maternal Warning Signs for Morbidity & Mortality During Pregnancy & the Postpartum Period – PI: Dorothy Cilenti and Christine Tucker, MCH; funded by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, $5,000,000. (Read article)
