Dr. Michelle Cardel Named to Dean's Alliance, as first Latinx Member
Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington Dean David B. Allison recently announced that Dr. Michelle Cardel will join the Dean's Alliance. Developed in 2005, the Dean's Alliance is a strategic planning board which helps the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington to navigate challenges and leverage new opportunities.
Four School of Public Health Faculty Members Win 2020 Trustee Teaching Awards
Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington recently announced its 2020 Trustee Teaching Awards recipients. The award honors faculty members who have made positive contributions in teaching, mentoring, and pedagogy during the 2020 calendar year. The winners for 2020 include Applied Health Science Clinical Associate Professor Deb Getz, Applied Health Science Assistant Professor Alison Greene, Applied Health Science Lecturer Melissa Greives, and Health & Wellness Design Clinical Assistant Professor Julie Knapp.
Distinguished Colloquium Speaker Series Recordings Are Now Available Online
Recordings from the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington 2020–2021 Distinguished Colloquium Speaker Series are now available online. The series events, which are free and open to the public, have been held virtually over the past year.
Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington Rises in U.S. News & World Report Rankings
The Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington (IUSPH-B) has risen in the U.S. News & World Report rankings to 41 out of 188 top public health schools and programs. According to the U.S News & World Report website, "Each school's and program's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions."
The 25 Best College Towns in America - Bloomington, IN #4!
Quarry cliff diving, a nearby state park and multitudes of local breweries make the forested town of Bloomington a definite frontrunner—and Indiana University students agree. Catch them cooling off with a post-lecture dip in Lake Monroe or tossing back pints at Kilroy's, one of the most popular bars in the country.
Dr. Maresa Murray has been selected as one of five inaugural recipients of the Indiana University Inclusive Excellence Award by her peers on the Bloomington Faculty Council. Dr. Murray is assistant dean of Diversity, Inclusion, and Organizational Climate and clinical associate professor in the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington (IUSPH-B).
Dr. Priscilla A. Barnes, associate professor in Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington's Department of Applied Health Science, has been awarded a $1 million Health Resources and Services Association (HRSA) grant to bring health care services to Daviess County, Indiana. The project's priority populations are residents living with an active addiction and individuals living in long-term recovery.
Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington Dean David B. Allison, an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, has been appointed to a new ad hoc committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to develop methods for assessing misinformation about biological threats. According to NASEM, the goal of the committee is "to evaluate options for long-term engagement of scientists internationally to identify and address claims about biological threats that emerge or are perpetuated by the spread or dissemination of inaccurate and misleading information (intentionally or unintentionally)."
The Carnegie Mellon Civil and Environmental Engineering Awards Committee has selected Dr. Kan Shao to receive the 2021 CEE Recent Alumna/us Achievement Award. This award recognizes Civil and Environmental Engineering alumni who have accomplished noteworthy work within ten years of receiving their highest degree from the CEE Department.
On Friday, April 16, the Indiana University Board of Trustees elected Dr. Pamela S. Whitten 19th president of Indiana University. Dr. Whitten, who has been president of Kennesaw State University in Georgia since 2018, will succeed outgoing president Dr. Michael McRobbie on July 1. Dr. Whitten is the first woman to serve as president of Indiana University. The School of Public Health-Bloomington will be her home school.
Dr. Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson has received the 2020 Outstanding Paper Award from the Water Environment Federation for "Protecting wastewater workers from disease risks: Personal protective equipment guidelines," along with co-authors Dr. Mark W. LeChevallier and Dr. Theodore J. Mansfield. Dr. MacDonald Gibson is a professor and chair of the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington Department of Environmental and Occupational Health.
Paul Levy Selected for 2021 Latino Faculty and Staff Graduate Student Award
Paul Levy won the 2021 Latino Faculty and Staff Graduate Student Award for his efforts in contributing to a positive campus environment, demonstrating exemplary academic and professional work, and participating in service, mentoring, and promoting diversity initiatives that enhance and support Latinos on campus.
Lilian Golzarri-Arroyo Selected for the 2021 Latino Faculty and Staff–Staff Award
Lilian Golzarri-Arroyo is a Biostatistician at the Biostatistics Consulting Center in the School of Public Health at Indiana University–Bloomington.
Associate Professor Dr. Priscilla Barnes in the Department of Applied Health Science is the proud recipient of the 2021 Thomas Ehrlich Award for Excellence in Service Learning as well as a 2021 Fulbright US Scholar Award (Iceland).
Ronald L. and David B. Allison Endowed Scholar Award and Fund Established
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) recently honored one of its assistant professors with the Ronald L. and David B. Allison Endowed Scholar Award. Dr. Drew Sayer was selected to receive the inaugural scholarship which is named after Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington Dean David B. Allison and his father, Ronald L. Allison.
A recent study from an international research group including Indiana University found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is very different, biologically and clinically, from other coronaviruses. That difference may be associated with the difficulty in controlling disease spread and disease burden.
Standing in solidarity with our Asian and Asian American students, colleagues, and community members
In light of the recent violence directed toward members of the Asian American community, the School of Public Health-Bloomington echoes the words of Dr. James Wimbush, Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA).
Department of Kinesiology Professor Emeritus Slated to be Fulbright Specialist
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has selected Indiana University Professor Emeritus James S. Skinner to be a Fulbright Specialist through 2025. Dr. Skinner served as a professor in the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington Department of Kinesiology from 1996 to 2006.
MIDAS COVID-19 Urgent Grant Goes to School of Public Health Researchers
The Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) Coordination Center at the University of Pittsburgh recently awarded funding to a pair of researchers from Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington.
The University School of Public Health-Bloomington's top advisory board, the Dean's Alliance, welcomes its newest member, Kimberly A. Reed. Ms. Reed is the eighth new member of the alliance in recent months, joining such high-profile leaders as Kansas Governor and School alumna Laura Kelly; Pierre Theodore, physician and Vice President, Medical Affairs, Global Public Health, for Johnson & Johnson; and Arne Astrup, physician, eminent scientist, and Program Director at Novo Nordisk Foundation.
The Indiana University Bloomington Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research have named Keisuke Kawata, PhD, ATC, Assistant Professor in the School of Public Health-Bloomington's Department of Kinesiology, recipient of the Outstanding Junior Faculty Award. This prestigious campus-level award recognizes the most promising tenure-track faculty.
Four Racial Justice Research Awards Go to School of Public Health Faculty
Stewards of Indiana University's Racial Justice Research Fund recently named IU School of Public Health-Bloomington faculty members Priscilla Barnes, Angela Chow, Debra Herbenick, and Karo Omodior recipients of Racial Justice Research Fund Awards. The fund was established last year to support research that will help to better equip individuals, institutions, and communities to advance racial justice and equity. It is jointly supported by the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs.
Douglas Landsittel, PhD, has been appointed Chair of the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Dr. Landsittel comes to the School of Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh.
Sending in the Citizen Cavalry
Boone County is one of three in Indiana implementing an opioid rapid response team to intervene in an overdose incident. As part of a new program through the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington, citizens will be trained to give Narcan nasal spray to overdose victims.
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) has recognized the Master of Science in Applied Health Science, Safety Management at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington as a Qualified Academic Program. Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation, a BSCP-approved credential that allows students to apply to be a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
IU researchers studying the role of social and economic exposures on people developing dementia
A project by Indiana University and partner universities will determine how socioeconomic exposures in mid-to-later-life affect memory decline and Alzheimer's disease and related dementia risk. The project is funded through a $2 million National Institutes of Health grant.
American Society for Nutrition Names Gletsu-Miller RIS Chair-Elect
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) recently selected Dr. Nana Gletsu-Miller of Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington to chair its Obesity Research Interest Section (RIS). An associate professor of Nutrition Science, Gletsu-Miller primarily focuses on nutritional interventions targeting obesity-related disease; nutrition after bariatric surgery; nutrient bioavailability; and prevention of type 2 diabetes in adolescents.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium helps Dr. Daniella Chusyd, postdoctoral fellow at Indiana University Bloomington, develop elephant facial recognition.
Seven New Members Add Extraordinary Talent to IU School of Public Health-Bloomington Advisory Board
Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington recently named seven new members to the Dean's advisory board, the Dean's Alliance. Established in 2005, the Dean's Alliance, provides guidance on strategic planning and support for the School of Public Health.
A new longitudinal field study by Dr. Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson, Chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, and Riley Mulhern, a doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, sought to find a solution to the problem of lead in well water in rural communities. The results were published in the journal Water.
Hispanic Organization of Toxicologists Honors Luma Melo
The Hispanic Organization of Toxicologists (HOT), a special interest group operating within the Society of Toxicology, recently named Luma Melo the recipient of the 2021 HOT Pre-Doctoral Travel Award. Melo is a current PhD candidate in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, a department within Indiana University's School of Public Health – Bloomington. She also serves as acting laboratory manager in the Klaunig Lab at IU.
Celebrating Black Faculty and Staff at IU during Black History Month
Current SPH-B MPH student Alondra Galvan recognizes Mr. Rory James, Director, Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion, for his efforts in promoting equity and inclusion.
Dr. Richard J. Holden to Head Department of Health & Wellness Design
Dr. Richard J. Holden will join Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington as Chair of the Department of Health & Wellness Design beginning in July. "Health by design is something I have pursued for nearly 20 years, so it's a dream come true to join a department of like-minded, passionate people," he says.
Obesity research in elephants may shed light on human health and aging
Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington postdoctoral fellow Dr. Daniella Chusyd initially set out to study obesity in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in zoos to determine whether their weight correlated with health concerns, including low birth rates. What she and her colleagues learned was that the elephants carry only small amounts of fat – less fat (as a proportion of total body mass) than the average human. Until this study, which appears in the Journal of Experimental Biology this month, no one had measured fat in zoo elephants.
In Our Hours of Darkness, You Are Beacons of Light
In our darkest of hours, I am yet inspired. There are beacons of light all around me. As others seek to foment insurrection, violence, hatred, fear, irrationality, intimidation, panic, ignorance, and ugliness, you show that there is another path.
IU School of Public Health Professor Wins International Achievement Award
The International Society of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology recently honored Dr. James E. Klaunig, a professor with Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington, with the International Achievement Award for 2020. The group presents the award annually to "an outstanding individual in recognition of their contributions and achievements in the resolution of public environmental concerns." The International Society of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology also publishes the journal, Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.
$2.9 million NIH grant will help IU researcher expand work on subconcussive impacts
A $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will help researchers at Indiana University determine whether, and to what extent, repetitive subconcussive head impacts — impacts that do not trigger clinically detectable signs and symptoms of concussion — negatively affect brain health in adolescents.
IU, rural communities launch Community Engagement to End Child Sexual Exploitation
Rural communities working to protect local children now have resources from Indiana University to fight sexual exploitation and human trafficking. The Community Engagement to End Child Sexual Exploitation initiative connects IU faculty with state and local officials to address sex crimes against children.
How much exercise do you need, really?
"Every adult should throw out the idea that if you're not doing the most grueling, sweat-drenching workout for more than an hour it doesn't count," said Kercher. "Instead, start by taking any and every opportunity to move, in any way possible at whatever speed, for any amount of time."
The National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK) has ranked Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington's Department of Kinesiology 11th in the nation. In the NAK's last ranking, five years ago, the department was 16th. Rankings are based on analysis of five years of data, including program faculty (productivity, funding, and visibility) and students (admissions, support, publications, and employment).
Nationwide study into COVID-19 infection, reinfection, immunity backed by philanthropic investment
IU Bloomington researchers seeking to answer key questions about SARS-CoV-2, which may have implications for effective, durable vaccine
The Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington Earns CEPH Reaccreditation
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) Board of Councilors has voted to extend accreditation to the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington for a seven-year term. CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools and programs in public health.
IU Researchers' SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Analyses Appear in Science
On November 24, the journal Science published "Transmission heterogeneities, kinetics, and controllability of SARS-CoV-2," authored in part by Associate Professor Marco Ajelli and Post Doctoral Fellow Maria Litvinova from Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington.
Funds Awarded for IU Researcher's Vaping-Related 'VALu' Pilot Study
An assistant professor with Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington recently received a $30,000 award for a pilot study of the effects of e-cigarette use on lung function. Dr. Sarah Commodore, of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, will serve as principal investigator on the "Vaping and the Adolescent Lung" (VALu) pilot over the course of one year.
Safety of in-person courses at Indiana University supported by new analysis
As Indiana University concludes its final planned week of in-person instruction for the fall semester, IU researchers have analyzed data from the university’s semester-long COVID-19 testing program and found that infection risk was not higher among students attending more in-person courses.
James A. Caplin Estate Generously Endows New Faculty Chair Position for School of Public Health
The estate of Indiana University Alumnus James A. Caplin recently provided Indiana University’s School of Public Health-Bloomington with a $2 million gift for the establishment of the James A. Caplin Chair in Evidence-Based Public Health. The gift will advance rigorous, scientific study of both access to healthcare as well as the efficacy and quality of healthcare—particularly for the underserved. What's more, preference is to be directed to rural-related research.
Brian Forist earns National Award
Brian Forist, Lecturer with Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington in the Department of Health & Wellness Design is the recipient of the 2020 NAI Award of Distinction from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI).
Dr. Marco Ajelli Joins Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington added Associate Professor Marco Ajelli to its Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics on October 1, 2020. Ajelli previously served as a senior research scientist at the Bruno Kessler Foundation's Center for Information and Communication Technology in Trento, Italy.
AFAR receives renewal award from NIA to pursue research into the biology of aging
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), has received a renewal award for up to $2 million over five years from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to continue its role as the Nathan Shock Centers for Excellence in the Biology of Aging Coordinating Center (NSCs).
School of Public Health Researcher Awarded $450,000 Lead Technical Studies Grant
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently indicated it will fund a new study led by Dr. Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson of Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington. MacDonald Gibson, who chairs the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, will serve as principal investigator for "Targeting Homes with High Lead Exposure Risks by Leveraging Big Data and Advanced Machine-Learning Algorithms."
School of Public Health to Offer New Advanced Degrees in Biostatistics in Next Academic Year
Biostatistics experts from a variety of industries are helping faculty and administrators from Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington to shape two new advanced degree programs.
Survey Study Shows Alcohol Use, Frequency Grew Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Dr. Hank Green and colleagues pursue first nationally representative study of adult social networks and substance use.
ACE welcomes Dr. Laurie Whitsel and Dr. Antonio Williams to its Board of Directors
Antonio Williams, Ph.D., associate professor and associate department chair at Indiana University School of Public Health, has joined the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as members of its board of directors effective October 9, 2020.
IU School of Public Health Dean Honored with 2020 Don Owen Award
The American Statistical Association's San Antonio Chapter recently distinguished Indiana University-Bloomington's School of Public Health Dean David B. Allison with the 2020 Don Owen Award. The award was presented at the 2020 Conference of Texas Statisticians, held virtually from September 18-19 and hosted by Texas A&M University.
A new grant will help IU researchers expand their work to recruit and train citizen responders for opiod overdose events.
Former 'MythBusters' Co-Host Jamie Hyneman Receives Bicentennial Medal
Via an online event held on Friday, August 14, 2020, Indiana University awarded IU Alumnus Jamie Hyneman the Bicentennial Medal. Dean David B. Allison of IU's School of Public Health-Bloomington nominated Hyneman and presented the award which is intended to honor distinguished and distinctive service.
COVID-19 pandemic strengthens health care students' commitment to serve
The coronavirus pandemic hasn't just transformed how students take classes or engage in campus life; it's also fundamentally affected how some students regard their chosen fields of study, solidifying a commitment to careers in public health and health care.
School of Public Health Researchers Awarded Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) Grant
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) will fund a new study conducted by Indiana University-Bloomington's School of Public Health researchers Drs. Alyce Fly, Ming Li, and Katharine Watson. The researchers aim to characterize the impact of pet ownership on the adult gut microbiota, which has been shown to influence the role of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Fly, Li, and Watson hypothesize that differences in the gut microbiota of cat and dog owners relative to non-owners are associated with reduced CVD risk.
School of Public Health Honors the Diverse Deans with which it has Populated the Academy Nationwide
It was a cool, clear day in Bloomington on August 25, 2019 when National Public Radio aired a short piece about "dude walls" at different academic institutions. "It inspired some real introspection," IU School of Public Health Dean David Allison recalls.
Assistant Dean of Facilities to Retire After Nearly 35 Years of Service
December 31, 2020 will mark the culmination of Dr. David Skirvin's long and successful career at Indiana University-Bloomington's School of Public Health. Skirvin began work as Assistant to the Dean (then Dean Dr. Tony Mobley) in 1986 following his completion of undergraduate and master’s degrees from Indiana University.
Drs. Agley, Barnes Awarded $1.2 Million to Establish Tele-Emergency Network
Associate Professors Jon Agley and Priscilla Barnes of Indiana University's School of Public Health-Bloomington were recently awarded a $1.2 million grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). They join a growing list of School of Public Health researchers who have netted grants in 2020 for projects designed to improve the health of people living in rural areas.
Dr. Alison Greene receives $1 million HRSA grant for rural community opioid response
Dr. Alison Greene, an assistant professor at the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington, has been selected to receive a three-year, $1 million HRSA (Health Resources & Services Administration) grant for SUD/OUD (substance use disorder/opioid use disorder) prevention, treatment, and recovery activities in rural Fayette County, Indiana.
IU public health expert joins World Health Organization group as advisor on COVID-19 and schools
Dr. Ana Bento, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostats at the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington, is helping to steer national strategies and policies on school's decisions to close and reopen due to COVID-19 as a member of new advisory group through the World Health Organization.
Young adults' risks from first-time opioid prescriptions may not be as high as previously thought
Young adults and adolescents who are prescribed opioids for the first time may be at a slightly greater risk of developing a substance-related problem later in life, according to a new study co-authored by Indiana University researchers. However, the risk may not be as high as previously thought.
$2M federal grant awarded to chemical risk assessment startup founded by IU SPH professor
Dream Tech LLC helps commercial, regulatory clients evaluate chemical toxicity A two-year, $2 million Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will allow startup Dream Tech LLC to better help companies, regulatory agencies, and nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations evaluate chemical toxicity.
Dr. Kevin Maki's latest research featured in national publications
Two recent research papers authored by Dr. Kevin Maki and his colleagues are being featured in numerous prestigious publications.
