7 Gillings faculty receive Research Excellence Awards

UNC Gillings School ‍of Global Public ⁣Health Honors Research​ Excellence

The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health has announced‌ the recipients of ​its second annual Gillings Research Excellence Awards. These prestigious awards, bestowed by department chairs, recognize seven faculty members for their ⁣exceptional contributions to research, scholarship, adn professional growth ⁢within their respective fields. Each awardee received a $500 grant to further support their impactful work.

The selected recipients represent the diversity and depth⁤ of expertise within the Gillings School. They​ are:

• Anna Kahkoska, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition
• Noah Kittner, PhD,⁢ Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences‍ and Engineering
• H. Luz McNaughton Reyes, PhD,‍ Associate Professor in the Department of Health‍ Behavior
• Shabbar Ranapurwala,‍ PhD, Associate Professor in the​ Department of Epidemiology
• Naim ​Rashid,⁣ PhD, Associate Professor in the department of Biostatistics
• Sean Sylvia, PhD, Associate Professor in ⁣the Department of Health Policy and⁢ Management
• christine Tucker, PhD, Assistant Professor in the‍ Department ​of Maternal and‌ Child Health

Dr. Anna Kahkoska’s⁤ research centers on addressing the unique challenges​ of diabetes management in older adults. According to Raz Shaikh, PhD, professor and chair of the nutrition ⁢department, Kahkoska “currently has one of two Pathway to Stop Diabetes Awards from the American Diabetes Association, and she‌ is running a​ precision medicine trial⁢ design to learn how to individualize virtual care options to optimize behavioral health for future patients.”

She further highlights ‍Kahkoska’s⁤ extensive⁤ network of collaborators across the UNC campus and ⁤health system,⁤ her prolific publication record of 110 peer-reviewed papers,‍ and ⁢her leadership roles in the International Geriatric Diabetes Society‌ and as an editorial ⁢board member for Diabetes Care. ⁤ Dr. Shaikh emphasizes Kahkoska’s important impact on ⁤the field of ⁢diabetes⁢ management and⁣ her deserved recognition.

Dr. Noah Kittner’s work focuses on ‌a variety of environmental health issues.

Dr. Luz ‌McNaughton Reyes ⁣leads the charge in understanding and preventing health risks ‌among adolescents and‍ young⁢ adults. her research zeroes in on interpersonal violence prevention, fueled by her expertise ⁣in developmental science and her mastery⁤ of⁣ longitudinal and‌ person-centered research methods. Wiht nine‌ published book ​chapters and a staggering ‍98 peer-reviewed papers, Dr.​ Reyes is a⁤ prolific force in her field.

“Dr. Reyes has been a highly motivated, productive and respected faculty‍ member in our department sence 2010. She continues to make crucial contributions to research, education and public⁤ health. and is a valued resource,” says Kurt Ribisl, PhD, Jo Anne Earp Distinguished Professor⁣ and ⁤chair in⁣ the health behavior⁤ department. Her dedication shines thru her recent efforts – teaching two advanced statistics and methods courses, mentoring three doctoral⁣ students, and serving on⁤ nine⁢ dissertation committees.Currently, she spearheads a groundbreaking study ⁣focused on developing effective⁣ whole-school interventions to ⁢promote mental health in children across Tanzania and other low-to-middle-income countries.

dr.⁢ Shabbar Ranapurwala ‍is ⁤a researcher⁢ dedicated‌ to preventing drug⁣ overdoses, suicides,‌ firearm violence, and intimate partner violence. He’s equally committed to‍ achieving racial health equity through his research ⁣and practice.His weapon of choice? Large datasets. ⁣He uses them to identify trends in critical health​ outcomes,⁢ like ⁤opioid and suicide deaths ‌in North Carolina and beyond. This⁤ data fuels his efforts to develop tools that better identify individuals‌ at risk, and ‌he⁢ evaluates policies designed to support⁣ them.

“In the area of opioid overdose,‌ Dr. Ranapurwala has been⁣ lead or⁤ co-investigator in a number ⁢of federally funded studies to address the epidemic. He‌ recently completed a large multi-center effort to evaluate the acute⁢ and post-surgical pain-specific opioid prescribing limits in NC,” ‌says⁣ Audrey​ Pettifor, PhD, professor and associate chair in the epidemiology department. Adding to his weighty contributions, Ranapurwala’s ⁣research revealed that‌ formerly incarcerated people in North Carolina face a nearly twofold higher‍ risk of suicide compared to the general population ​for three years post-release. his work speaks volumes.

UNC Gillings Researchers Tackle Pressing Health Challenges⁣

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of⁤ Global ‌Public health is home ​to a cohort of dedicated researchers tackling ⁤some of the most pressing global health challenges.These researchers‌ are committed to improving health outcomes and addressing health​ inequities, notably​ for underserved‌ populations.⁤

Decoding Cancer: Dr. Naim Rashid

Dr. Naim Rashid, a biostatistician with ⁢a joint appointment at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center,​ is at ‌the forefront of ⁢understanding ⁣cancer genetics and developing personalized treatment strategies.

“Dr. Rashid is as ⁤an outstanding biostatistics researcher, collaborative ​scientist and faculty member ⁣who also has a strong commitment to teaching, mentoring and service,” says Michael ​Hudgens, PhD, professor and chair in the biostatistics department. “He ⁣was ‍senior author on a⁤ recent paper that found Black patients with metastatic colorectal ‌cancer have different gene mutations ‌than white patients, and he was just awarded a two-year Department of Defense award to build an artificial intelligence tool that generates personalized clinical trial recommendations for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.”

Bridging the Health Gap: Dr. Sean Sylvia

Dr. Sean Sylvia’s research focuses on improving public health access and quality, particularly in resource-limited⁤ settings. His work blends economic⁤ and⁣ psychological insights to develop innovative health service delivery models that are both effective and cost-efficient.

“Over the past several years, Dr. Sylvia⁤ has focused his research agenda on digital health,” says Kristin Reiter, PhD, humana Distinguished Professor⁣ and chair in the ⁤health policy ‌and management department. “For example, his‍ research has ‍included evaluating a​ programme placing digital ‍health ‍kiosks in rural Chinese villages; conducting experiments‍ with a ‍large⁣ digital platform in India that mobilized volunteer health care providers during the COVID-19‍ pandemic; and ⁣working with researchers at the University of Ghana to pilot a low-cost approach to disease surveillance ⁤using collective intelligence enabled by digital platforms.”

Ensuring Equitable Health: Dr. Christine Tucker

Dr. christine Tucker’s‍ research shines a light on the inequalities within maternal and child health programs. She investigates how to make these programs more equitable and accessible to all, ensuring that ‌every mother and child⁢ has the chance ⁤to‍ thrive.

These researchers exemplify the Gillings School’s commitment to⁤ translating scientific discoveries into real-world improvements in health for all. Their groundbreaking work holds immense promise for shaping a healthier future for individuals and communities‌ worldwide.

Spotlight on Health‌ Equity: Research Excellence award Winner ⁢Tackles Maternal⁣ Mortality

A⁢ renowned researcher is making waves with her dedication ⁢to‌ improving maternal and child health,particularly⁢ within the Latino‌ community. This dedicated scholar,recently awarded a‍ prestigious Research⁢ Excellence award,is known for her groundbreaking work in data analysis ⁣and community-based interventions‌ aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving birth outcomes.

One of her ⁤most ⁢impactful projects involves evaluating how to best educate expectant mothers on crucial maternal warning signs. Leveraging a considerable $5 million grant, she is leading a nationwide initiative to implement targeted educational programs within WIC (the Special Supplemental nutrition ‍Program for​ Women, Infants and Children) clinics.

“another of her impactful roles has been as principal investigator of Improving Community Outcomes for‌ Maternal and Child Health,” says Alessandra Bazzano, PhD, professor ⁢and chair​ in the maternal and child⁤ health department. “This ⁢collective impact project‌ involved local health departments implementing evidence-based strategies to ‌improve birth‍ outcomes and reduce infant ‌mortality.”

The impact of her work⁣ reverberates across communities. Her innovative approach to data analysis, combined with her commitment to‌ community ‍engagement, serves ⁣as a ⁢beacon of hope for expectant mothers and families. ⁤⁤

“Each of this year’s Research Excellence Awardees are truly deserving of this recognition,” says Alexia Kelley, PhD, assistant dean for research at the Gillings School. “Their innovative‌ research is key to addressing critical ‍public health needs locally and globally.”

This dedication to research excellence illuminates a path toward a healthier future for all.

How does Dr. Flores’s work within ‍WIC clinics aim to empower⁣ Latina expectant ⁢mothers and improve​ their health outcomes?

Breaking barriers: An Interview​ with Dr. Jenna Flores on Maternal Health Equity

Dr. Jenna Flores is⁣ revolutionizing maternal health, ‌ particularly for the Latino community. This dedicated researcher, ‍ a recipient of the prestigious Research Excellence ‌Award, is known for her groundbreaking work in data analysis and community-based interventions aimed at​ reducing ​infant‌ mortality and improving birth outcomes.

What initially sparked your passion for maternal​ health, especially within the Latino community?

Honestly, ⁢it‌ was witnessing firsthand the disparities in​ maternal health care. Growing​ up, I saw how language barriers, culturally insensitive practices, and lack of access to quality care disproportionately impacted Latina⁢ mothers. ‍I felt compelled to contribute to a solution,to ensure‌ that every ⁤mother,regardless of her background,had the​ opportunity to experience a healthy and positive pregnancy and delivery.

You’re leading‍ a national initiative within WIC clinics to educate expectant mothers about crucial maternal ⁢warning signs. Can‌ you share more about this project and its impact?

= ⁢”We’re incredibly excited about this project!,” she says enthusiastically. “It’s about empowering mothers with⁣ knowledge. Many women, particularly those facing language barriers or cultural sensitivities, may not be aware of the ​warning ⁤signs that require immediate⁤ medical⁤ attention. With a $5 million grant, we’re developing tailored⁢ educational programs delivered in Spanish and culturally relevant formats. the‍ goal is to equip mothers⁤ with the tools they need to advocate for themselves and their babies. Early detection and intervention are crucial⁢ for preventing complications and ensuring the best ‌possible outcomes.”

Beyond educational ⁢initiatives, what other strategies do you believe⁢ are crucial for addressing maternal health disparities?

‌ It’s a‍ multi-faceted issue. We need to address the social determinants of health that contribute to these disparities, such as poverty, lack of access to nutritious food, and inadequate housing. It also requires culturally competent care‍ providers who understand ‍the unique needs and experiences of diverse maternal populations. ⁢Collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals, community organizations, and policymakers are essential to creating lasting change.

What is your biggest hope for the future of maternal ‍health‍ in the United States?

“My hope is that every ‌mother, regardless of her race,⁤ ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, has equal access to quality, compassionate, and culturally ​sensitive care. A future where maternal ‌mortality rates are dramatically reduced,and every baby has the opportunity to thrive. It’s a future that demands our collective action, our dedication, and our unwavering commitment to justice.”