IU School of Public Health-Bloomington (SPH-B) Dean Emeritus Mohammad Torabi is the 2024 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB), presented in recognition of "an individual's lifetime achievement of significant contributions to health behavior research, theory and practice."
For decades, Dr. Torabi has worked to measure and evaluate health programs and promotion in schools, organizations, and communities. His research explores determinants of individual health behaviors, including factors affecting the relationship of individual decisions to substance abuse, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other public health issues. He served as chair of the school's Department of Applied Health Science for more than a decade, dedicating his expertise to students, colleagues, and school partners alike.
While serving as dean of the former IU School of Health, Physical Education, Dr. Torabi was instrumental in the school's transformation and re-naming as the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington. In the 2012 ceremony to announce the school's new name, he stated, "We know that without change, there is no life; there is no growth…and while it can be painful, it is evidence of life. We either grow or we decline."
Indeed, AAHB president and SPH-B Professor Hsien-Chang Lin celebrates Dr. Torabi's dedication to growth, saying his "commitment shines through his significant contributions to mentoring and nurturing the next generations of public health and health behavior educators, researchers, practitioners, and leaders. The lasting and ripple effect of his mentorship on many people—including myself—is evident. This honor reflects not only his individual accomplishments but also the enduring legacy he has built within our field and school."
"I am very honored by this recognition from AAHB," Dr. Torabi says, "and that my impact has been acknowledged in my retirement—highlighting my ongoing impact in my profession. It is particularly humbling to be only the fifth recipient of this award in the history of AAHB, joining health behavior pioneers Albert Bandura, Larry Green, Elbert Glover, and Ken McLeroy. I am grateful to Indiana University for giving me the opportunity to make an impact on research, teaching and service at local, regional, and global community levels. Further, I am thankful to the AAHB board of directors, and its award committee for this recognition. Finally, I could not have made a difference in public health without the selfless support and sacrifice of my family, and my many mentors who believed in me and never gave up on me. I am eternally grateful to them.
Taliaferro in 2013
"The tragedy of pandemics like HIV and COVID-19—and prominence of other chronic diseases—have brought long-overdue recognition to the field of public health," he continues. "It is truly exciting to be a member of this profession, because regardless of whether you are retired or not; whether you are a researcher, educator, or practitioner; there is plenty of work for all of us."
Dr. Torabi is no stranger to accolades: In 2001, he received the American School Health Association's William A. Howe Award (the highest honor they bestow). At IU, his awards include the 2019 Bicentennial Medal; 2017 Chancellor and Provost Medallion; 1997 W. George Pinnell Award for Outstanding Service; and 1993 President's Award for Distinguished Teaching.
He has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Public Health by the Indiana Public Health Association.
"Commitment to the pursuit of knowledge through science. Devotion to others in beneficence. Grace under fire. This is a rare and admirable trio of traits and my friend Dean Emeritus Torabi has them all," says SPH-B Dean David B. Allison. "His scholarly contributions have advanced the field of public health. His compassionate devotion to individuals within our fold and to humanity at large is palpable and been a source of succor to many, including me. And, he has shown bravery and grace under fire as he fearlessly transformed our school from Health, Physical Education, and Recreation to the nationally accredited IU School of Public Health-Bloomington. Dean Torabi, I salute you!"
News about SPH-B faculty and staff achievements is always available at publichealth.indiana.edu.