Welcome from the Chair
Whether you are a prospective student, current student, alumnus, faculty member, community partner, or simply exploring what we do, I'm glad you're here. At HPEB, we study the behaviors, environments, and systems that shape health, and we use that knowledge to improve the lives of individuals and communities. Our faculty, students, and staff are passionate about generating knowledge that makes a difference and preparing the next generation of public health leaders to address today's most pressing health challenges.
One of the things I value most about HPEB is our culture. We are a department where people genuinely support one another, celebrate each other's successes, and collaborate across disciplines. Our students are mentored by faculty who are not only outstanding researchers and educators, but who are deeply invested in helping them grow as scholars and professionals. We also believe that a strong community is built both inside and outside the classroom, which is why we make time to celebrate accomplishments, connect with one another, and enjoy being part of HPEB.
Whether your goal is to become a public health practitioner, researcher, educator, or leader, you'll find a community that will encourage you to think boldly, support you through challenges, celebrate your successes, and prepare you to improve the health of communities around the world.
Our faculty are advancing research across a wide range of topics, including nutrition, health communication, maternal and child health, global health, physical activity, implementation science, tobacco control, substance use prevention, food insecurity, health equity, and many other areas that shape the health of individuals and populations. What connects this work is a shared commitment to conducting rigorous research that informs policy, improves programs, and creates healthier communities. We are equally committed to providing students with meaningful learning experiences through research, community partnerships, applied practice, and mentorship.
As chair, my vision is to build on the department's strong foundation while continuing to foster innovation, collaboration, and student success. I want HPEB to be known not only for producing impactful research, but also for being a place where people feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to do meaningful work. Whether your goal is to become a public health practitioner, researcher, educator, or leader, you'll find a community that will encourage you to think boldly, support you through challenges, celebrate your successes, and prepare you to improve the health of communities around the world.
I hope you'll explore our programs, meet our faculty and students, and discover what makes HPEB such a special place. We would love for you to become part of our community.
Gabrielle (Brie) Turner-McGrievy, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior