https://sole.hsc.wvu.edu/Apps/News/rss/SchoolOfPublicHealth/Epidemiology-and-Biostatistics50 most recent storiesen-USfdca320d-1a58-417e-8480-856489a0dd7fhttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=student-employee-grace-grey-receives-social-impact-and-belonging-awardSchool of Public Health student Lillian "Grace" Grey is recognized for making a meaningful impact at WVU as a student employee. Grey, who works in the epidemiology department, received the Social Impact and Belonging Award as part of the 2026 Student Employee of the Year honors. In addition, she was selected as a runner-up in the Midwestern Association of Student Employment Administrators community service category.Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-04-21T12:54:36-04:00bd01fc20-431f-4798-b0cb-1d3db1f04d73https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=healthcare-industry-leaders-to-share-insights-at-state-of-healthcare-panel-hosted-by-school-of-publiThe WVU School of Public Health Master of Health Administration program and West Virginia Chapter of American College of Healthcare Executives will host "The State of Healthcare: Industry Leaders' Perspectives" on Monday, May 11, bringing together top healthcare executives from across West Virginia for an insightful discuss on the future of healthcare and the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-04-21T12:19:36-04:0069aec68a-b762-47db-8050-d89e77370c05https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=coming-soon-saph-apparel-fundraiserSupport WVU School of Public Health students by shopping the Student Association of Public Health online apparel fundraiser from Monday, March 30 through Monday, April 13.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-03-30T09:30:20-04:0073152d01-2d9a-4131-b429-11ad1936e00dhttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-researchers-collaborate-on-article-in-journal-of-adolescent-healthResearchers at West Virginia University Health Sciences recently collaborated on an article analyzing tobacco use and oral health in adolescents. The study was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-03-20T08:10:46-04:004f5cc613-844b-4c5c-8528-c08ffdf9acc4https://theconversation.com/new-dietary-guidelines-prioritize-real-food-but-low-income-pregnant-women-cant-easily-obtain-it-274576In an article for The Conversation, Bethany Barone Gibbs, professor in the WVU School of Public Health, discusses how most pregnant women in the U.S. aren't meeting dietary recommendations—especially those living in rural communities.Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-02-17T13:19:58-05:00e4edc9ff-6689-4367-83df-3cec267d77c0https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-faculty-publish-article-in-journal-of-dental-hygieneFaculty members at West Virginia University Health Sciences recently collaborated on an article exploring the connection between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sugar-sweetened beverages. The article was published in the February 2026 issue of the American Dental Hygienists' Association Journal of Dental Hygiene.Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-02-10T09:01:40-05:00a8c714af-af54-4fb2-b5d0-3a02fa4b8e62https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/walking-just-five-minutes-more-a-day-reduces-risk-of-early-death/?utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=hscwvuAn extensive new study published this week in the Lancet found that participants who increased their moderate-intensity physical activity by as little as five extra minutes a day significantly lowered their odds of dying early.Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-01-26T09:46:32-05:00d7ca2978-ed80-4421-8074-a94af22995d7https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2026-01-07/walking-household-chores-can-be-lifesaving-therapy-for-people-with-metabolic-syndromeBethany Barone Gibbs, chair of epidemiology and biostatistics at WVU School of Public Health, comments in a recent U.S. News & World Report article on recent study findings indicating the potential benefits of light activity.Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-01-14T12:21:10-05:00e826038c-1ccb-4b6b-8f62-354c5dac704fhttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-alumnus-danny-scalise-ii-receives-prestigious-national-prize-uncovering-meaningful-west-virginiaFor West Virginia University School of Public Health alumnus Danny Scalise II receiving the 2025 Milton and Ruth Roemer Prize for Creative Local Public Health Work from the American Public Health Association felt like a full circle moment—connecting his education at WVU to a legacy of innovative public health work.Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-02-01T11:04:12-05:0001d68ac6-408e-407a-8463-540397475376https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2025/12/20/wvu-marks-commencement-with-new-president-graduates-and-celebratory-let-s-goA new era began inside the Hope Coliseum Saturday (Dec. 20) as West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson spoke from the gold and blue Commencement stage for the first time, and hundreds of August and December graduates took their first steps as Mountaineer alumni. Noor Ibrahim Abdulhay, a doctoral graduate in epidemiology from the WVU School of Public Health, was the first student to cross the Commencement stage under President Benson's leadership — a milestone moment that served as the inaugural degree conferral of his presidency.Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -05002026-01-14T13:45:48-05:008ced86bb-c648-44d1-9612-58de5bd86c0ahttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=professor-gibbs-to-be-featured-speaker-at-national-virtual-workshop-on-understanding-women-s-cardiovWVU School of Public Health Professor Bethany Barone Gibbs is set to be a featured speaker at The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's virtual workshop, Blood Pressure Across Women's Lifespan, which takes place Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Thursday, Dec. 11.Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -05002026-01-30T10:43:25-05:00ffa2b8f4-5454-4cd5-90ec-0477183f3319https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wv-college-students-help-advance-research-on-substance-use-and-driving-behaviorsDo you attend college or technical school in West Virginia? If so, we need your help with a research study about substance use and driving behaviors among college students.Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -05002026-01-14T12:20:35-05:00f8f13015-0925-4f40-a3de-0526f358b0ebhttps://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2025/11/10/wvu-research-finds-self-control-runs-in-the-familyWhen it comes to self-control, adolescents tend to follow the patterns their parents establish, according to West Virginia University psychology research.Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-11-18T15:04:02-05:001a7586a2-b7e5-49e5-bcff-026823aa1592https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=professor-emeritus-authors-new-book-challenging-misclassification-of-suicide-inu-sIan Rockett, professor emeritus of epidemiology at WVU School of Public Health, is shedding light on an overlooked public health crisis in his upcoming book, "Hidden Suicides and Fatal Overdoses: A Forward Path." The book takes an in-depth look at the widespread undercounting and misclassification of suicides in the U.S., revealing factors that obscure the true scale of self-inflicted deaths.Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-10-30T12:44:17-04:00874464e1-5922-4240-ad89-acfe9843dba7https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvctsi-research-scholars-sharing-research-onglobal-stagePast and current WVCTSI Research Scholars are sharing their work on a global stage and leading in the field of international occupational health. Assistant Professors Caroline P. Groth and Tyler Quinn, from WVU School of Public Health, both recently presented at the EPICOH2025 conference in Utrecht, the Netherlands.Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-10-30T12:44:09-04:00e83bc142-7843-4662-87c1-d383b40567e7https://www.barrons.com/articles/stairs-dangers-health-benefits-home-469802eeBethany Barone Gibbs, chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at West Virginia University School of Public Health, spoke with Barron's about the importance of seniors adding physical activity to their lives. Over the past century, everything from cars to the automation of daily household chores to online shopping has removed physical activity from our lives, says Gibbs. She encourages Americans to re-engineer their lives to add more exercise by walking or taking stairs whenever possible. Note: A paid subscription may be required to view this article.Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-11-04T20:51:14-05:00192b01ac-d0b0-45d0-a192-c906ec335b61https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/weight-loss-five-ways/WVU School of Public Health experts Bethany Barone Gibbs and Elizabeth Claydon suggest ways the state can help West Virginians live healthier, longer lives.Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-10-13T08:23:03-04:008cea14b8-f85f-4505-a036-450c0cc1482ehttps://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2025/10/01/wvu-research-finds-more-men-die-of-overdoses-partly-because-many-combine-alcohol-with-drugsResearch conducted at West Virginia University suggests consuming alcohol with fentanyl and other drugs may explain, in part, why more men than women die from unintentional overdoses.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-10-17T13:21:42-04:005639d4f7-9cce-44c8-8cc7-c744a6f67f2ehttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-health-sciences-celebrates-doctoral-researchers-at-induction-ceremonyWest Virginia University Health Sciences hosted its annual Research Induction and Awards Ceremony on Sept. 19, 2025, to recognize doctoral students who have completed their core coursework, identified a faculty mentor, and are officially beginning their graduate research journey.Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-11-04T19:26:58-05:002b82dbd4-2453-4336-ad4f-d5213a943e23https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=seeking-study-participants-to-determine-how-cbd-impacts-driving-performanceEver wonder if Cannabidiol (CBD) affects driving performance? If so, we're seeking participants for a driving simulation study being conducted at the Health Sciences Center at West Virginia University. Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-08-04T08:08:58-04:007041816b-5c09-49a4-873c-28e09ab790ddhttps://enews.wvu.edu/articles/2025/07/01/participants-sought-to-evaluate-impact-of-yoga-on-health-specifically-for-individuals-with-high-blood-pressureTo be eligible for the research study, participants must be adults aged 18-65, diagnosed with high blood pressure, not currently involved in an exercise or yoga program, and not pregnant.Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-10-17T13:22:04-04:0008e2b836-d289-467b-8b87-f8e863bded85https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-05-20/recovering-from-a-heart-attack-heres-what-you-shouldnt-doBethany Barone Gibbs, department chair of epidemiology and biostatistics at WVU School of Public Health, emphasizes the importance of the "sit less, move more" strategy, particularly for patients recently hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome.Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-05-28T13:05:42-04:009e379b1e-cb13-414e-af0f-8a2ce2afeadfhttps://www.heart.org/en/news/2025/05/19/even-a-little-daily-activity-may-lower-heart-death-risks-for-heart-attack-survivorsEven small tasks, such as tidying up the house or a slow stroll were "nearly as beneficial as moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activities, like biking or doing aerobics," Dr. Bethany Barone Gibbs said in the news release. She is chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the School of Public Health at West Virginia University in Morgantown.Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-05-27T12:24:58-04:008938b5da-fb6f-47a7-9993-f6d55d945d49https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=graduate-course-for-summer-2025-public-mental-health-pubh-658Public Mental Health (PUBH 658) is an online course available to graduate students. No prerequisites, restrictions or instructor permission are required.Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-05-19T10:28:23-04:004bae39c7-3d41-4bf0-8ecb-025c5499b7aehttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=undergraduate-course-for-summer-2025-public-mental-health-pubh-458Public Mental Health (PUBH 458) is an online course open to undergraduate students. There are no prerequisites, restrictions or special permissions required to enroll.Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-05-19T10:28:34-04:00c1401210-8d04-441a-86ae-c3d33c492c4ehttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-school-of-public-health-honors-excellence-and-community-partnerships-at-year-end-celebrationWest Virginia University School of Public Health students, faculty and staff joined together on the morning of Thursday, May 1, to honor outstanding achievements during the school's annual Year-end Celebration.Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-05-14T08:01:44-04:0035c34d83-ff78-4fd1-89ed-0238a0b95ec0https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=savedate-rsvp-for-school-of-public-health-year-end-celebration_0The WVU School of Public Health will host its annual Year-End Celebration on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. All SPH students, faculty and staff are invited to attend and must RSVP by noon on Friday, April 25, 2025.Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-04-21T13:58:08-04:0089a413fa-fd74-4e6f-93be-c7399738053chttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=school-of-public-health-faculty-member-earns-recognition-at-wvctsi-annual-meetingDr. Gordon Smith, Stuart M. and Joyce N. Robbins Distinguished Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, was awarded best research poster at the 2025 West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute "Roads to Research Opportunities for Rural Communities" Annual Meeting.Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-03-20T15:21:02-04:000fe2b584-4d42-4f63-a494-c5861f54f813https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a63655358/walk-to-live-longer-study/In Good Housekeeping, Bethany Barone Gibbs, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, offers advice for establishing exercise habits.Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-02-11T12:39:46-05:00a16c9d22-a21c-4320-a195-8172bb9d50ddhttps://www.wboy.com/news/monongalia/wvu-professor-explains-how-much-heat-is-actually-lost-through-the-head/In a WBOY segment, Tyler Quinn, assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, debunks an old myth by explaining how much body heat is actually lost through the head in cold temperatures.Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-01-14T06:57:31-05:00ce2b029a-60cd-4a60-a3d4-ecde466f425chttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/12/09/snow-shoveling-age-risks/76744326007/In USA Today, Bethany Barone Gibbs offers snow shoveling advice for older adults.Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-12-11T12:09:10-05:0035eeb56e-57c6-4343-9215-1313c29bfe72https://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-health/five-minutes-of-exercise-a-day-may-lower-blood-pressure/School of Public Health professor of epidemiology and biostatistics, Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., provides Everyday Health with suggestions for easy ways to incorporate more intense activity into your day.Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-11-15T16:46:47-05:0072a34ccd-e301-4edd-862b-c2676e352122https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/10/30/standing-desk-not-the-answer-to-decreasing-blood-pressure-wvu-research-showsAlternating between sitting and standing at work decreases sedentary behavior, but it has no effect on lowering blood pressure, according to a study led by a West Virginia University epidemiologist. Researchers also found that too much standing during work may have negative effects on cardiovascular health.Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-11-11T11:32:21-05:000ce667ba-705d-41db-ae0e-dc0ded26ffb8https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/10/14/wvu-researchers-putting-cbd-to-the-test-from-behind-the-wheelAs cannabidiol products — commonly known as CBD — become more readily available, West Virginia University researchers are working to gain a broader understanding of how the substance influences driving performance and whether the effects differ between men and women.Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-10-14T13:21:29-04:00da5f236a-ff3d-4b70-b22f-660e577d76e1https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=public-health-students-recognized-at-van-liere-and-wv-idea-research-conferenceThree students from the WVU School of Public Health, undergraduate student Maya Carter and graduate students Devon Collins and Brianne Nichols, showcased their research during the 2024 Van Liere and WV IDeA Research Conference. Carter and Nichols both received Outstanding Poster Awards.Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-12-09T14:24:51-05:00d84e8e84-99e7-497a-9075-47719ef5f1d8https://wvumedicine.org/news-feed/news-article/WVU-Medicine/Front-Page/wvu-medicine-vaccine-initiative-highlighted-by-the-american-thoracic-society/Toni Rudisill, assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is part of the WVU Medicine Vaccine Initiative that was recently highlighted by the American Thoracic Society.Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-09-30T14:44:08-04:00912d4f0c-5241-41ae-8f29-4facda04046bhttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=seven-investigators-selected-for-wvctsi-research-scholar-programsomempowerThe West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI) has named seven faculty for the 2024-2026 Research Scholar Program.Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-08-15T12:59:13-04:0013421b32-4a51-42f7-a47c-4a2f6f00a97ehttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-research-opportunities-enhance-alumna-s-public-health-careerWVU's commitment to research – paired with strong academic programs and collaborations with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – drew Yuni Tang to Morgantown for the Ph.D. in Public Health Sciences program. Now, the School of Public Health alumna is using her training to improve health outcomes as a postdoctoral research associate.Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-07-26T12:45:09-04:00f18e1fe7-209e-4158-92bc-fbcf954d7d9ehttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=dean-candidate-for-wvu-school-of-public-health-on-campus-this-thursdayA candidate for dean of the WVU School of Public Health will visit campus on Thursday, May 16, 2024. The WVU community is invited to participate in the presentation portion to meet the candidate, Stephen Wisniewski, Ph.D.Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 -04002025-03-20T10:36:26-04:0020121bb2-2387-4cb6-b08e-5395c7056844https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=math-medicine-combined-interests-lead-to-new-career-path-for-wvu-public-health-studentFaculty mentorship and cross-campus collaboration have played an important role in John Twist's experience at West Virginia University. The School of Public Health student is set to graduate in May after combining his skills in mathematics with an interest in serving communities.Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-05-02T12:11:12-04:0081a9d0cc-9213-47aa-9c21-5f41fd6b60b3https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=year-end-celebration-marks-new-beginning-for-wvu-public-health-graduatesWest Virginia University School of Public Health students, faculty and staff joined together Thursday (April 25) afternoon to honor outstanding achievements during its annual Year-end Celebration.Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-06-04T15:17:36-04:00496b7fcb-a632-47e7-8d11-a318396ca364https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=mha-administrative-grand-rounds-discussion-to-focus-on-legislative-updatesThe West Virginia University School of Public Health Master of Health Administration program will host a virtual Administrative Grand Rounds on Friday, May 3, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-06-06T12:20:07-04:0023f3ae8c-a39c-40b3-a700-be414503777ehttps://wvumedicine.org/news-feed/news-article/?cat=WVU-Medicine&sec=Cancer-Institute&headline=wvu-researchers-unite-in-search-of-new-drug-to-treat-lung-cancersomdiscoverScience is a team sport, and a group of West Virginia University researchers with differing expertise and approaches are joining forces to seek a drug for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-04-19T11:18:55-04:00c949720b-3ab9-4bf3-ac3e-4484bb98af86https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/04/10/a-growing-understanding-of-the-link-between-movement-and-healthBethany Barone Gibbs, chair and associate professor in the WVU School of Public Health, contributes to an article from the American Heart Association about movement and health.Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-04-12T10:21:47-04:004102a84b-d7e0-4c1d-8eb1-a0cfa44c1f7ehttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=dept-of-epidemiology-and-biostatistics-announces-speakers-for-seminar-seriesThe WVU School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is pleased to announce two speakers for its 2023-24 seminar series.Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-01-12T09:15:23-05:00a4c46b75-a689-4542-b898-46b9326422f4https://enews.wvu.edu/articles/2023/09/27/research-study-seeks-those-in-first-trimester-of-pregnancyResearchers at WVU are studying movement and health during pregnancy, beginning in the first trimester. Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -04002023-10-23T11:02:45-04:003b858518-a9bd-406d-9edd-6754e01d3780https://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=informatic-experts-to-speak-at-public-health-grand-roundsThe WVU School of Public Health's Master of Health Administration program will host an Administrative Grand Rounds on Friday, October 20, from noon to 1 p.m. ET via Zoom that features health informatics experts. Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -04002023-10-23T11:01:54-04:00d315667f-cb17-455b-966b-d31457985c18https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2023/10/10/wvu-charting-public-policy-model-to-address-state-s-opioid-crisisWhile solutions for addressing the opioid crisis often involve either beefing up law enforcement or widening the scope of health services, West Virginia University researchers said they believe the best approach is a synergistic mix of both.Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -04002023-10-12T15:49:53-04:0056f2f8ac-3c49-4241-8365-660f9f146973https://westvirginiawatch.com/2023/09/20/narcan-is-now-available-over-the-counter-but-its-price-may-be-a-barrier-to-access-in-wv/This month, for the first time, a version of the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone is available over the counter in retail stores across the country.Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -04002023-09-25T13:15:46-04:00bd0f5f43-9529-44fb-b1f7-8d23a703028ahttps://publichealth.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=sitting-or-standing-makesdifference-in-blood-pressure-reading-wvu-study-findsPeople using a prescribed take-home blood pressure monitor are likely to get an inaccurate high reading if they were standing or moving just prior to the measurement, according to a study led by a West Virginia University researcher.Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -04002023-09-20T13:55:11-04:00