UofM School of Public Health Research Impacts Memphis

March 14, 2016- In its mission to deliver innovative health solutions to the community, researchers from the University of Memphis School of Public Health had an impressive year of securing funding for research projects. In 2015, SPH faculty members were awarded $4.15 million in new funding for 16 research projects; another 15 awards are pending. This is the highest funding total for the SPH since it was established six years ago.

"One of the goals of our School of Public Health is to generate world-class multi-disciplinary research of local benefit and regional impact. The number and quality of grant awards that we have garnered will lead to desired improvements in the health of our Memphis community," said Dr. Lisa Klesges, the school's dean.

"The high level of research productivity in the School is especially noteworthy given that the majority of faculty are early-career researchers who have been simultaneously building the new curriculum for their recent successful application for national accreditation. The School has grown its research capacity more rapidly by collaborative research and by emphasizing multi-sector community partnerships," added Dr. Andy Meyers, vice president of Research at the UofM.

Areas of impact among the funded studies are adolescent asthma; improving the safety of patient care; improving air quality in the tri-state area; smoking during pregnancy; improving lung cancer care delivery; eliminating tobacco-related disparities among smokers; reducing food insecurity among the elderly; infant feeding and children's health; enhancing food system safety; and childhood obesity prevention.  

"We join 55 other accredited Schools of Public Health around the country in helping steer new ways to structure, deliver and design innovative health solutions through research and community engagement that are focused on prevention and wellness," said Klesges.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Gabrielle Maxey
901.678.2135
gmaxey@memphis.edu