Community and Behavioral Health News

The latest news from the Department of Community and Behavioral Health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

CPH faculty selected for National Academy of Medicine Emerging Leaders Forum

Seven University of Iowa faculty members, including Sato Ashida and Sarah Nash from the College of Public Health, have been invited to the National Academy of Medicine's 2025 Emerging Leaders Forum, scheduled for April 8-9 in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Natoshia Askelson will participate in a panel discussion. Published March 25, 2025

Smita Singhal: Aligning personal and academic interests with core values

Smita Singhal is a second-year graduate student with an interest in global health and sustainability. She recently answered some questions about her study abroad experience, the importance of volunteerism, and that “a-ha!” moment when she discovered public health. Published March 24, 2025

Fewer of Iowa’s K-12 students are fully vaccinated

Natoshia Askelson, associate professor of community and behavioral health, and Danielle Pettit-Majewski (10MPH), director of Johnson County Public Health, commented on Iowa's rising number of students who are under-vaccinated or unvaccinated. (IPR) Published March 24, 2025

Plugged in to Public Health: Social connections and public health

In this episode, Lauren explores the critical role of social connections in public health with researcher and faculty member Dr. Paul Gilbert. Dr. Gilbert discusses how social determinants of health, including the social environment and community structures, shape our well-being.  Published March 13, 2025

Askelson comments on rural food deserts

Natoshia Askelson, associate professor of community and behavioral health, recently discussed food deserts and the challenges many rural residents face accessing food. (Daily Iowan) Published March 5, 2025

Anjali Deshpande on her role as IPHA board president, public health challenges, and preparing students

In January 2025, Anjali Deshpande began a two-year term as president of the Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA) Board of Directors. She shared her thoughts about public health, serving as IPHA board president, and what she would like to help the organization accomplish during her tenure. Published February 26, 2025

Gilbert, Vander Weg discuss alcohol and cancer risk

The U.S. Surgeon General recently released an advisory on alchohol and cancer risk. Paul Gilbert and Mark Vander Weg from the Department of Community and Behavioral Health discussed the public's awareness about the connection between alcohol consumption and cancers. (Daily Iowan) Published January 30, 2025

Gilbert comments on popularity of Dry January

Participation in Dry January, a month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol, is on the rise. “Whether it’s January or any other time, I think it is a good practice to take a break and reassess the role of alcohol in your life,” says Paul Gilbert, associate professor of community and behavioral health and an expert in alcohol-related behavior patterns. (Daily Iowan) Published January 29, 2025

Webinar: Co-creating knowledge about young adulthood with young adults – CANCELED

On Feb. 11, the UI College of Public Health Prevention Research Center for Rural Health and the Midwestern Public Health Training Center invite you to be a part of the latest installment in the Conversations on Health Equity Research and Practice Webinar Series. Shannon Lea Watkins will describe research approaches to engaging young adults as research collaborators. Published January 29, 2025

CPH students highlighted in 2025 Dare to Discover campaign

Eight CPH students, post-docs, and recent graduates are featured in the UI's 2025 Dare to Discover banner campaign. Read more about how their research is making an impact. Published January 22, 2025

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