College of Public Health

Teaming up: College of Public Health and Athletics partner to support athletes holistically

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:57:51 +0000

Teaming up: College of Public Health and Athletics partner to support athletes holistically Taylor Thomas Mon, 10/27/2025 - 08:57

In This Story

Martin Binks PhD, MBA

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS, MBA

A new partnership between the College of Public Health (CPH) and the Athletics Department is taking shape at �鶹��Ƶ, starting with a shared commitment to boost nutrition support for student-athletes.

Photo by Rafael Suanes/George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

“From the start, we saw an opportunity to merge two strengths at George �鶹��Ƶ: our expertise in public health and Athletics’ commitment to student well-being,” said Dean Melissa Perry of the College of Public Health. “This collaboration was part of the vision when we recruited Dr. Martin Binks, knowing his leadership could help connect nutrition science directly to the needs of our student-athletes.”

“At George �鶹��Ƶ, we believe in developing champions in every aspect of life, which means investing in the holistic well-being of our student-athletes,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “This partnership with the College of Public Health reinforces that commitment by bringing expert support in nutrition, wellness, and education—helping our Patriots thrive in competition and beyond. We’re proud to build this model of collaboration and grateful to the College of Public Health leadership for their shared vision and partnership.”

Currently, the nutrition department is assisting Athletics as they hire a full-time registered dietitian, who will serve as both a direct resource for student-athletes as well as a preceptor for dietetics students completing supervised practice hours in the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics.

The department is also designing a new athlete-focused section of one of its most popular courses, NUTR 295: Fundamentals of Nutrition. The class will keep its general nutrition framework while folding in case studies and other content tailored to athletic performance, designed in consultation with coaches and trainers.

“Athletics is proactively supporting the whole student, not just their athletic performance. Our department shares that philosophy and is ready to support it,” said Martin Binks, chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies (NFS) at CPH.

On the CPH side, for students enrolled in the MS in Nutrition’s Nutrition and Performance concentration, the partnership opens more doors for applied learning and collaboration. Internships and practicums with Athletics will place them alongside the university’s strength and conditioning staff, trainers, and teams.

Binks has joined the George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics Medical Review Team, a strategically assembled advisory group tasked with evaluating and improving the standard of sports medicine care available to student-athletes. “It’s the first time the College of Public Health has had representation in that process,” Binks noted.

These initial steps lay the groundwork for broader connections between CPH and Athletics in the future. During a September CPH kickoff meeting, faculty and athletics leaders also discussed opportunities in social work and mental-health support, as well as immersive learning using virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance anatomy and physiology education. Additional plans include workshops and seminars on a range of wellness topics related to self-care, sleep, and stress management, as well as topics centered on leadership and life after student athletics.

Thumbnail photo by Ayman Rashid/Creative Services/�鶹��Ƶ.

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�鶹��Ƶ Athletics

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Students

George �鶹��Ƶ researchers awarded $4.65 million NIH grant to explore chronic knee pain

Colleen Rich — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:31:42 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ researchers awarded $4.65 million NIH grant to explore chronic knee pain Colleen Rich Tue, 09/30/2025 - 17:31

For millions of Americans, chronic musculoskeletal pain is a daily reality that makes even simple activities like walking across a room, playing with grandchildren, or just getting through a workday feel daunting. At �鶹��Ƶ, researchers at the Center for Advancing Systems Science and Bioengineering Innovation (CASSBI) are leading a new $4.65 million National Institutes of Health-funded R01 study to better understand what shapes those experiences, and how to improve care.

Photo by Getty Images

“Like many people all over the world, I have known close family members living with unexplained chronic pain,” said the project’s lead investigator Siddhartha Sikdar, professor of bioengineering and director of CASSBI. “I have seen firsthand how frustrating it can be to navigate a disjointed health care system that often does not prioritize patient voices. That’s why I’m so excited about this project. It prioritizes understanding each person’s lived experience of pain, so we can come up with better guidelines for personalized management of chronic pain.”

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is one of the world’s most common—and least understood—health conditions. It refers to ongoing pain in soft tissues of the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, or legs. Lower back and knee pain are leading causes of disability worldwide, disrupting work, family life, and well-being.

Despite its prevalence, the condition is poorly understood. Pain perception is difficult to measure, and each individual’s experience of chronic pain is unique. Findings on currently available diagnostic tests paint an incomplete, and sometimes misleading, picture of the underlying problems. Too often, people with chronic musculoskeletal pain encounter fragmented care, misdiagnoses, or treatments that are expensive, invasive, and ineffective. Many report feeling dismissed or unheard.

The research team will work to solve this problem by studying how physical, biological, emotional, and social factors come together to shape the daily experience of living with chronic knee pain. They will look at whether analyzing multiple symptoms over time can help identify important turning points in a person’s pain journey, and how each individual’s particular mix of stress, biology, and movement plays a role in achieving maximal potential for function.

Siddhartha Sikdar. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

Over the next four years, the team will recruit participants with chronic knee pain who are receiving treatment at Optimal Motion, a community-based physical therapy clinic. For one year, participants will be followed closely, with data collected every three months on their biomechanics, physical function, biological health, and psychosocial well-being. A smartphone app will also allow participants to share daily reflections, giving researchers an unprecedented look into the lived experience of chronic pain.

“Chronic pain is not just about an abnormal finding in a single body part,” Sikdar explained. “It’s an individual, day-to-day experience that cuts across physical, emotional, and social dimensions.”

Improving chronic pain management without overreliance on opioids and other medications with harmful side effects is a critical priority for addressing the ongoing public health crisis of opioid and other medication misuse, addiction, and overdose in America. Better understanding the factors that shape pain could lead to more effective personalized care and help reduce the devastating ripple effects of medication misuse and addiction.

This study is different from traditional pain research in three important ways. First, it uses a whole person focus. Instead of viewing knee pain only as a local problem in the joint, the team is taking a holistic approach that considers the entire person and the many factors influencing their pain. Second, it puts patient voices at the center. By using advances in large language models, researchers will analyze patient narratives, stories, and reflections, capturing rich perspectives often overlooked by conventional assessments. Third, it will track change over time. Rather than relying only on one-time snapshots, the study will follow patients’ pain experiences as they shift from day to day and month to month.

The interdisciplinary project will involve medical scientists, community-based medical professionals, engineers, data scientists, neuroscientists, and CASSBI’s chronic pain advisory board of patient advocates and community-based practitioners. George �鶹��Ƶ faculty collaborators include:

Kevin Lybarger, assistant professor, Department of Information Sciences and Technology, College of Engineering and Computing (expertise: artificial intelligence, natural language processing)
Secili DeStefano, adjunct faculty, Department of Health Administration and Policy, College of Public Health (expertise: physical therapy)
William Rosenberger, Distinguished University Professor, Department of Statistics, College of Engineering and Computing (expertise: statistics)
Seiyon (Ben) Lee, assistant professor, Department of Statistics, College of Engineering and Computing (expertise: statistical modeling of complex data)
Samuel Acuña, research assistant professor, Institute for Digital Innovation, Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact (expertise: rehabilitation engineering, human-centered product design)
Cameron Nowzari, associate professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing (expertise: robotics)
Lynn Gerber, MD, professor emerita, medical doctor, Inova Center for Integrated Research (expertise: rheumatology, internal medicine, rehabilitation)

The team is also partnering with the University of Wisconsin–Madison and community-based providers such as Optimal Motion.

The project supports NIH’s interest in advancing the understanding of individual differences in pain with a whole person approach to personalized medicine. It also aligns closely with CASSBI’s mission to bring together scientists, engineers, health care professionals, and community members to drive real-world medical innovation.

For more than a decade, George �鶹��Ƶ researchers at CASSBI have been working across disciplines to better understand chronic pain and this new study builds on that legacy with fresh tools, new partnerships, and functional outcomes that reflect wha patients have expressed is important to them .

“Pain is a uniquely personal perception and experience,” said Sikdar. “Our goal is to listen more closely, understand more fully, and translate those insights into better care guidelines and treatments. Ultimately, it’s about helping people get back to living their lives.”

Find more innovation on the CASSBI website

Discover how George �鶹��Ƶ research is tackling the greatest obstacles facing humankind. Our Grand Challenge Initiative seeks to focus our multidisciplinary research strength to create bold solutions for a changing world.

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George �鶹��Ƶ public health researchers enter new phase of NIH funded research

Shayla Brown — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:22:40 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ public health researchers enter new phase of NIH funded research Shayla Brown Thu, 09/11/2025 - 11:22

Scientists, nurses, and researchers in �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health (CPH) have successfully progressed to the third phase of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) program studying a broad range of early life exposures on child health.

The NIH grant provides more than $157 million in awards for Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO), and George �鶹��Ƶ will receive $1.35 million annually until 2030 to conduct the study.

ECHO researcher working with one of the participants in the Population Health Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.

George �鶹��Ƶ is one of 45 research sites across the country gathering longitudinal data on more than 30,000 children; 1,059 of those children are enrolled in George �鶹��Ƶ’s ECHO program. The research is conducted in George �鶹��Ƶ’s Population Health Center, the only clinical site in Virginia.

“For this phase of ECHO, we’re gathering information on novel chemical exposures, preconception behaviors, early exposures, and the consequences of regional and social determinants of health,” said Kathi Huddleston, PhD ’08, principal investigator and CPH associate professor. “Following our large and diverse ECHO population will enhance the ability to go from society to biology to more positive health outcomes.”

George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and students working on the project include alumni Grace Lawrence, PhD ’18, Daisy Posada, MA ’18, Megan Bayne, MA ’18, Shiva Zarean, BS ‘24, and Alma Fuller, Lynda Ashie, and Bruna Mayen, a senior biology major who also acts as the project and lab manager.

The project has followed these families since their 2012 to 2019 pregnancy.

“Many of the families sharing their health information to help the next generation include George �鶹��Ƶ alumni,” Huddleston added.

While the project tracks changes in child health over time, the study had to adapt during the pandemic when researchers moved to remote data collection. Since then, ECHO has been instrumental in advancing remote research study activities.

ECHO researcher working with one of the participants in the Population Health Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding.

“When the kids were babies, we received surveys and sample kits in the mail to provide teeth and hair samples that we would send back. Now we come into the center once a year for check-ups,” said Susy Ashkar, a mother of three boys, ages 9, 6, and 4, who participate in the ECHO study.

“After quality assurance and review determined the validity and veracity of the data, we are now continuing many of these remote practices to decrease the study burden on our families,” said Huddleston.

This has added to Mayen’s role as lab manager as she collects teeth and hair samples as well as basic anthropometric measurements to assess the health and well-being of our children as they grow.

“As a biobank, we provide high-quality, well-documented biological samples ensuring they remain viable and uncontaminated, for long-term preservation under controlled conditions so they can be used for future analyses, thereby serving as a research-enabling platform that advances science,” said Mayen.

“From the research we’ve conducted during this phase, we can see that groups of children who share a common characteristic or experience. For example, those born in the same year give us the advantage to see development and change over time, help identify patterns, trends, and predictors. All that is possible because of the work we do every day in collecting biospecimens, anthropometrics, and many surveys in the participating ECHO families,” Mayen said.

“We have tapped on a wonderful resource of families willing to share of their time to help science to improve population health, and in that act are demonstrating to their children that citizen science matters,” Huddleston said. “I can’t wait to see some of these young ECHO participants enroll at George �鶹��Ƶ and bring with them that spirit of public health.”

In This Story

Dr. Kathi Huddleston, PhD, MSN

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Summer Academy transforms high school students into college-ready researchers

Sarah Holland — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:55:14 +0000

Summer Academy transforms high school students into college-ready researchers Sarah Holland Wed, 09/03/2025 - 09:55

When it comes to summer, perhaps the last place many students want to be is back in the classroom. But the students of �鶹��Ƶ’s Early Identification Program (EIP) are, as they say, “built different.”

As part of their commitment to the college access program, EIP students spend three weeks on George �鶹��Ƶ’s Fairfax Campus every summer attending courses in core academic areas and college preparation seminars.

“We want our students to have the tools and resources they need to make sound decisions about post-secondary options,” said Mia Hines, interim executive director of EIP. “Cultural capital—meaning understanding how the systems of higher education work—is an important part of that.”

Consistent exposure to college campuses and introductions to college offices and resources is one way students develop that “cultural capital.” And for the 11th graders, their penultimate Summer Academy experience is intended to inspire them to see college as a place where they can be empowered to cultivate their curiosity and take ownership of their research interests.

Fares Eloseily, center, with his team's poster presentation. Photo by Rahib Zaman/University Life

The core component of the 11th grade curriculum is the Research and Discovery Seminar, led by Nadeen Makhlouf, instructional faculty in the Honors College. Based on the Honors College first-semester research course HNRS 110 Principles of Research and Inquiry, this three-week seminar gives EIP students the opportunity to identify their interests and figure out what they can do with those interests if they decide to come to George �鶹��Ƶ. Not only are students exposed to the breadth and depth of opportunities available in a post-secondary education environment, but they also get to experience what collegiate-level research looks like.

“When they’re in high school, they are told what to write about. They’re given a prompt, they’re given a question, and then told to write an essay,” said Makhlouf. “In this course, we give them the power to decide. We want them to get a taste of the academic agency they’ll get in college.”

Students complete a survey to identify their interests. They are then placed into groups with other students with similar academic and career interests. Each group decides on a research question and then compiles resources that could support their investigation into that inquiry—courses they could take, labs they could join, skills they would need to develop, and careers they could pursue. They present their findings at a final showcase.

“This is the first time they’ve done something like this,” Makhlouf said, showing the array of posters set up in Dewberry Hall. “They were so excited to see the posters printed. Some of them want to take them home. It’s just such a unique experience for them and really makes them excited about their academic future.”

Edison High School student Fares Eloseily is interested in the intersection of international relations and music “I know what I want to do but didn’t know where that could lead. This project showed me how I could make a career out of the things I’m most passionate about,” he said. His team focused on international affairs and the dynamic between the Global North and South.

"It’s something completely different from what you experience in high school. I’m surrounded by people who are all committed and passionate about what we’re doing. And it’s eye-opening to see how college classes are different from high school,” he said.

A key part of this is peer mentorship, also provided by the Honors College and led by Makhlouf. Current Honors College students offer support and guidance to the EIP students during their Summer Academy experience while gaining valuable leadership skills.

Christine Ziu listens to one EIP student's presentation. Photo by Rahib Zaman/University Life

“These students are just starting to look at colleges, but many of them aren’t sure what they want to do, or what kind of careers are available. This program helps them narrow their focus and shows them what’s possible, while developing their research and collaboration skills,” said peer mentor, Honors College student and cyber security engineering major Christine Ziu. “And it puts them in contact with people like me, who understand their experiences and can help them navigate that scary transition from high school to college as first-generation students.”

For Betzy Balladeres Oviedo, one of the Honors College instructors working with EIP, Summer Academy has been full-circle moment. She began her George �鶹��Ƶ journey as an EIP student, joined the Honors College upon admission to George �鶹��Ƶ, and graduated in 2024 with a BA in social work. In addition to supporting EIP students in the Honors College's Research and Discovery seminar, she served as a program assistant for EIP's Institute of Excellence this summer.

“These students want to succeed for their families, and I definitely saw myself in their shoes,” she said. “EIP alleviated some of the stress I would have faced around applying for and attending college. I think this sort of program, where we show students what college classes and research are like, makes them much more confident.”

Learn more about the Honors College

Learn more about the Early Identification Program

In This Story

Mia Hines, Ed.D.

Nadeen Makhlouf

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Honors College

Early Identification Program (EIP)

Community Engagement

College of Engineering and Computing

College of Public Health

For older adults, extreme heat can mean life or death

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:54:37 +0000

For older adults, extreme heat can mean life or death Taylor Thomas Fri, 08/29/2025 - 13:54

In This Story

Li-Mei Chen, PhD

Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, sunburn, and heat stroke are known to be dangerous for everyone, but older adults are at heightened risk and are likely to suffer more drastic health consequences if those close to them, whether that be family members, friends, or caregivers, are not vigilant.

Healthy aging scholar and gerontologist Li-Mei Chen specializes in the health and well-being of older adults, and how caregivers and systems can better support them. Chen, assistant professor of social work at �鶹��Ƶ's College of Public Health, answers pressing questions on how to keep older adults safe in extreme heat, offering actionable preventive measures key to protection from heat exposure.

Why are heat-related illnesses particularly dangerous for older adults?

Failing to understand the dangers of heat-related illnesses can be life-threatening. Compared to younger people, older adults require more water for the body to function properly, such as producing sweat to cool the body. Furthermore, older adults are less sensitive to thirst and will forego drinking water as often as they should. Also, older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions, which can be exacerbated by extreme heat.

How do common heat-related illnesses manifest differently among seniors?

Heat-related illnesses can manifest differently in older adults. People aged 60 years and older and individuals with obesity, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease or long-standing diabetes are at increased risk of heat-related illness. Aging and chronic diseases may impair the body’s ability to regulate core body temperature in hot conditions.

Additionally, personal circumstances contribute to an increased risk of heat-related illness. Older adults who are unable to leave their homes, lack contact with other people, experience severe mental illness, poverty, and decreased mobility face even greater risk.

What are some early warning signs to look out for?

Early signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, redness in the face, excessive sweating, muscle pain, and leg cramps. As the symptoms worsen, older adults may experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakened consciousness, and high body temperature.

If you are with someone showing signs of heat-related illness, remove them from direct sunlight, such as to under the shade of a tree, and try to relocate them to a cooler environment. Placing cold wet clothes on the forehead and neck can help alleviate symptoms and bring body temperature down. If symptoms are not improving, call 911 so medical professionals can render care.

Top 10 Tips to keep older adults safe and healthy in extreme heat

Check the weather before going out.
Ensure any venue is older adult-friendly with access to sitting areas and places to escape the heat periodically.
Hydrate! Take small sips of water regularly, even if not thirsty.
Apply and reapply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.
Wear sunglasses and a hat.
Dress in breathable, lightweight clothing.
Monitor indoor temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
Adjust air conditioning as needed to keep indoor spaces cool.
Keep furniture away from direct sunlight.
Have a plan in place in case of emergency with family, friends, and neighbors, and be prepared to take action.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Li-Mei Chen about heat and older adults, please contact media contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.

Li-Mei Chen is a gerontologist and a healthy aging scholar. She is an assistant professor of social work in �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health. She is also a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America. Chen’s teaching and research focus on dementia and aging, productive aging, intersectionality and the role of lifecourse in older ethnic minorities, community gerontology, and social policy. Her recent projects included hosting an international seminar in Japan on person-centered care for dementia, community-based strategies for civic engagement of older adults and the role of structural injustices and social exclusion on minority health and well-being. Her research includes developing a VR-based training for certified nursing assistants that will expand empathy for dementia patients. Recently, Chen took part in the annual Gerontological Society of America’s (GSA) Capitol Hill Advocacy Day to champion aging-related policy priorities.

�鶹��Ƶ �鶹��Ƶ

�鶹��Ƶ is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., �鶹��Ƶ enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. �鶹��Ƶ has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched �鶹��Ƶ Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.

�鶹��Ƶ College of Public Health at �鶹��Ƶ

The College of Public Health at �鶹��Ƶ is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The college is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The college offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The college’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan.

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Melissa J. Perry named Top 2025 Health Care Innovator by Washington Business Journal

Taylor Thomas — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:29:22 +0000

Melissa J. Perry named Top 2025 Health Care Innovator by Washington Business Journal Taylor Thomas Thu, 08/28/2025 - 10:29

In This Story

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS, MBA

The Washington Business Journal has named Melissa J. Perry, renowned environmental and occupational health scientist and inaugural dean of the College of Public Health, to the list of top 12 Health Education Innovators.

Read the full article here.

Melissa J. Perry, Inagural Dean of the College of Public Health. Read the full article here.

The Innovator in Health Care award is bestowed annually to Greater Washington’s clinical and business leaders working to solve the industry’s biggest challenges. The honor reflects Perry’s commitment to a technology-first, human-centered approach to public health education.

“This award reflects the commitment and achievements of the faculty and staff in the College of Public Health who strive for innovative solutions to improve public health each day. Together, we reimagine how immersive, interdisciplinary, and globally informed learning experiences can prepare students for health careers. I am deeply honored to represent the college as an innovator in health education,” said Dean Perry.

Under Perry’s leadership, the college has earned national recognition for its technology-enhanced curriculum. She championed the expansion of the Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation, a simulation-based workforce development and research center that offers students real-world scenarios to hone their skills before entering the field. From social work students navigating complex client interactions to nursing students providing life-saving care in a virtual hospital, the Lab engages students in technologically driven education singularly available at the college. The college is also the first public health institution in the world to be accredited by the prestigious Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

The college recently became the first in Virginia to be awarded accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health. This accreditation affirms that �鶹��Ƶ's public health programs provide the comprehensive, interdisciplinary training essential for cultivating the next generation of leaders in vital fields such as community health, epidemiology, global health, health policy, and health services research.

A renowned epidemiologist and environmental and reproductive health expert, Perry has been at the forefront of improving population health regionally and globally. Perry champions cross-national public health collaboration and facilitates scientific dialogue that transcends borders. She has published over 170 frequently cited manuscripts, technical reports, book chapters, commentaries, and book reviews that have furthered the field of epidemiology. Her research has been cited over 7,000 times. Perry is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today through her insightful column, The Mindful Epidemiologist. Perry’s impact as a scientist and educator has earned her the title of one of Northern Virginia’s top 50 most influential people, according to Northern Virginia Magazine.

Recently, Perry graduated with an MBA from George �鶹��Ƶ’s Costello College of Business, expanding her expertise to include the cross-section of public health and business strategy.

As a leading voice for innovation, Perry envisions the Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation as a place where all College of Public Health students can build cutting-edge skills well into the future.

Dean Melissa Perry (center), pictured with Alex Orfinger, Market President and Publisher of the Washington Business Journal and Monica Schmude, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia, at the recent awards ceremony.
Photo credit: Nicholas Griner

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George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health becomes first in Virginia to earn CEPH accreditation

Katarina Benson — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:59:41 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health becomes first in Virginia to earn CEPH accreditation Katarina Benson Wed, 08/20/2025 - 14:59

�鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health has been awarded accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), becoming the first and only college of public health in Virginia to earn this standard for excellence.

CEPH, the accrediting body for public health schools and programs, rigorously assesses institutions to ensure they meet the highest standards for academic excellence and real-world impact. This accreditation affirms that George �鶹��Ƶ's public health programs provide the comprehensive, interdisciplinary training essential for cultivating the next generation of leaders in vital fields such as community health, epidemiology, global health, health policy, and health services research.

“At George �鶹��Ƶ, we are committed to tackling society’s most urgent and complex public health challenges. The CEPH accreditation affirms the strength of our research and academic programs and reflects our promise to prepare graduates who are ready to lead, serve, and make an immediate impact,” said Provost Jim Antony.

As a leader in interprofessional public health, the College of Public Health advances research and community partnerships across Virginia. Its faculty and students actively collaborate with state agencies, health care systems, and community organizations to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Areas of focus include prevention and treatment of infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health and climate change, nutrition, violence, mental and behavioral health, and health informatics and health technologies. 

The college comprises the departments of Global and Community Health, Health Administration and Policy, Nutrition and Food Studies, and Social Work, and the School of Nursing. Its innovative interdisciplinary approach ensures that advancements in research and practice quickly become actionable strategies, directly influencing public policy, informing program development, and improving health in Virginia and around the world.

“I commend George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health for earning full accreditation to advance its work in crucial issue areas such as infectious diseases, mental health, opioid misuse, aging, the well-being of health care workers, and so much more,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

CEPH accreditation marks a significant achievement for the university and further reinforces the value of students’ education, fortifies community partnerships, and underscores the university’s leadership in forging a healthier, prosperous, and more resilient future for Virginia.

“This accreditation exemplifies the important, interprofessional work our students and faculty do every day for public health in Virginia and beyond," said Dean Melissa J. Perry. "We're incredibly proud to lead the way as the state's first CEPH-accredited college of public health, ensuring our graduates are exceptionally prepared for the workforce to tackle today's most urgent health challenges.”

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Nursing PhD alum becomes Oakwood University’s first female president

Mary Cunningham — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:32:09 +0000

Nursing PhD alum becomes Oakwood University’s first female president Mary Cunningham Wed, 07/23/2025 - 09:32

Throughout her career, Gina S. Brown, PhD Nursing ’99, has demonstrated tenacity and resolve. While earning her PhD at �鶹��Ƶ, she balanced a demanding academic schedule, sustained a full-time job, and raised a young family.

On July 1, Brown returned to her undergraduate alma mater, Oakwood University, to take on a historic new role: the first female president of the institution.

Gina S. Brown, PhD, MSA, RN, FAAN (PhD Nursing ’99), the first female president of Oakwood University. Photo provided.

Brown emphasizes a leadership approach founded on shared governance, rooted in respect for every voice in the Oakwood community—students, faculty, and alumni alike. “I want to hear from everyone—those who loved their experience and those who didn’t. Everyone’s voice matters,” Brown stated. Nevertheless, she is clear that her foremost priority is to protect and respect students.

A career grounded in service and leadership

Brown has served in clinical, academic, and leadership roles. While pursuing her PhD, Brown worked as a nurse recruiter. She traveled frequently to the Philippines to recruit nurses back to the United States to address the shortage of nurses, and to evaluate their educational level to assess that they were the same as those in the states.

She went on to hold several notable positions, including serving as an investigational review board liaison at Washington Hospital Center, followed by faculty appointments at Washington Adventist University that evolved into leadership roles as associate chair, chair, and dean. Brown also supported underrepresented students at a minority-serving college in Baltimore and played a pivotal role in restoring accreditation at a school in Massachusetts.

She later served on the board of Loma Linda University in California, which led to a faculty role as associate professor and director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice capstone programs. She then became dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University, overseeing 1,500 students and 100 faculty.

Recognitions and professional achievements

Brown’s work has earned her numerous distinctions, including:

Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)
Fellow of the Academy of Diversity and Leaders in Nursing (FDNL)
Fellow of the National Academies of Practice
Recipient of the 2024 Gold Foundation’s Medal of Honor, highlighting her wide-reaching impact in health care

She attributes much of her success to the encouragement and foundation laid at �鶹��Ƶ, which inspired her to seek leadership roles, pursue excellence, and serve her community.

Her time at George �鶹��Ƶ

Brown highlights her time at George �鶹��Ƶ as exceptionally supportive, recalling faculty who went above and beyond to help her with funding, tutoring, and flexibility. Brown credits this period as a formative chapter in her career, citing the unwavering support and encouragement she received from �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff.

“So many times, people complain about their institutions, but I’ve always been very pleased with George �鶹��Ƶ. It was rigorous—it was tough—but it was a great program. It was my most positive educational experience. Keep up the good job.”

Her advice for the next generation: value relationships as much as academic achievement. “Really get to know your professors. When you build those relationships, you can anticipate each other’s needs, and support becomes much more meaningful. It makes all the difference.”

Brown’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, supportive mentorship, and servant leadership. As she steps into her new role at Oakwood, her experiences continue to inspire students, colleagues, and the broader academic community.

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When the mosquitos bite, the Biomedical Research Lab bites back

Sarah Holland — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 19:45:51 +0000

When the mosquitos bite, the Biomedical Research Lab bites back Sarah Holland Thu, 07/03/2025 - 15:45

It’s summer, and with those longer days come backyard cookouts, outdoor activities and—ouch!—bug bites. Mosquitoes love Northern Virginia’s infamous hot and humid summers. And as the world’s deadliest animal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they’re more than just a nuisance at the family barbeque: They’re a health hazard.

Farhang Alem. Photo by Creative Services

But in partnership with Prince William County, �鶹��Ƶ’s Biomedical Research Laboratory (BRL) is working to prevent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Since 2016, in response to the Zika virus outbreak, the county and the university partner each year to collect mosquito samples and test them for diseases like West Nile virus.

“West Nile is endemic in the United States, and infections can be lethal,” explained Farhang Alem, MS Biology ’15, PhD Biosciences ’19 , associate director of the BRL. Alem has led the mosquito testing program since 2019.

“Eighty percent of people will have no symptoms,” he said, “but about one in every 150 cases of West Nile is severe.” It’s a neuroinvasive disease, meaning severe cases can damage the nervous system, resulting in high mortality rates and a high likelihood of disability if survived. Even those with non-neuroinvasive West Nile virus, though most likely to make a full recovery, could experience symptoms for weeks or months.

“We want to prevent the spread as much as possible,” Alem said.

Testing season starts in late spring and runs through the fall. Each week, samples are collected at more than 60 sites across Prince William County, and the mosquitoes are sorted by species. Vector species—meaning those that carry disease—are sent to the BRL for testing. Researchers extract RNA from the mosquitos and check for the markers of West Nile virus. They then send their report to county officials. If mosquitoes are positive for West Nile virus, the county will follow their larvicide and adulticide spraying protocols to eliminate the threat at the site where the mosquitoes were trapped.

“It allows us to more precisely target areas before they become a concern for the local community,” said Eli Hosen, environmental project manager for the mosquito and forest pest management branch of Prince William County Department of Public Works. “The lab provides us with a quick turnaround so we can respond as soon as possible.”

The program has been effective, Alem said, in reducing the number of West Nile carriers in the region. "Spraying is definitely working to control the spread."

Alem is in conversation with other counties in Northern Virginia to see if there’s interest in expanding the surveillance program. The BRL is also hoping to learn best practices on mosquito trapping from Prince William County to implement in other areas of research.

George �鶹��Ƶ epidemiologist Amira Roess is looking into the possibility of a similar surveillance program in India for dengue fever, for example. And if deployed, researchers hope what they learn in India can be useful to their research here as well.

With almost 10 years’ worth of data from the ongoing testing, Alem is hoping the lab can one day look at trends in disease occurrence and correlating environmental factors.

“It's leading to new avenues of research for us,” said Alem.

Learn more about the Biomedical Research Lab

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Amira Roess, PhD, MPH

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College of Public Health students deliver cross-disciplinary research on national stage

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:44:56 +0000

College of Public Health students deliver cross-disciplinary research on national stage Taylor Thomas Mon, 06/23/2025 - 10:44

The dissemination of research is pivotal to the advancement of public health. Beginning during their undergraduate career, students across �鶹��Ƶ's College of Public Health are trained to hone their skills in conducting and presenting research. At this year’s National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR), six students from the college showcased their work while also building their self-confidence as field practitioners.

“Getting the opportunity to present my research at a national conference during my second year of undergraduate studies truly allowed me to see how capable I am of contributing to bigger things during my time as an undergraduate student,” said community health major and University Scholar Deema Osman, who is working on a clinical science concentration. Overall, my experience at NCUR strengthened my desire to continue devoting my time to the field of public health outside the classroom."

Osman and her co-researcher Daphne Bernal, BS Community Health and Honors College ’25, global health concentration and French minor, presented their work on the effects of (ex)cannabis use on well-being and health communication, through the exploration of Reddit online communities and digital culture.

“Presenting research gave me confidence that I am capable of doing research and presenting it to other students from different subject backgrounds. The college ensured that I had practice presenting and educated me on the context of my research topic,” said Bernal, who will be pursuing a master of public health degree at George �鶹��Ƶ.

Nallely Calles Ortega presenting at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Photo provided

Nallely Calles Ortega, BSW ‘25, alongside MSW student Betzy Oviedo, BSW '24 and Honors College alum, showcased the research she has done as a part of her advocacy work securing compensation for social work students during their field placements.

“The conference was not just about sharing our findings, but also about growing as scholars and advocates,” Calles Ortega said. "It was inspiring to see the innovative work other undergraduates were doing, and it motivated us to continue building on our research and explore future opportunities for publication and policy impact."

Their research, which consisted of multiple exploratory surveys here at George �鶹��Ƶ targeting BSW seniors and MSW students to better understand how unpaid field placements impact their mental health, finances, and academic performance, contributes to the broader national conversation on equity in social work education. The college was pivotal in preparing her to undertake presenting on a national platform.

“Professors like Dr. Daniel Freedman were instrumental in helping us reach our participant goal and improve our response rates. Additionally, the research courses SOCW 471 and SOCW 472 provided us with a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis. I also briefly worked with the Social Work Integrative Research Lab (SWIRL), which further enhanced my skills and understanding of applied research. The mentorship, resources, and academic training from the college gave us the confidence to present our work on a national stage,” Calles Ortega said.

All college student presenters and topics:

Nalley Calles Ortega (Social Work) and Betzy Oviedo (Social Work): Unpaid Internships: Exploring the Hardships of Social Work Students

Deema Osman (Community Health) and Daphńe Bernal (Community Health): Reddit Netnography Exploring (Ex)Cannabis Users’ Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well-Being Outcomes and Understanding the Role of Online Forums for Informal Health Communication

Sandra Le (Dual Major Community Health and Geographic Information Systems): Spatiotemporal Analysis of Vegetation and Water Dynamics in Libya’s Extreme Flood Event 2023 Using Remote Sensing and Google Earth Engine (GEE)

Paris Stephens (Community Health) and Farah Bahr (Community Health): The Effectiveness of Culturally Relevant Breast Cancer Education Messages Tailored for Young Black Women

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When the mosquitos bite, the Biomedical Research Lab bites back

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College of Public Health students deliver cross-disciplinary research on national stage

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