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Faculty News & Research

SangNam Ahn, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy at SLU’s College for Public Health and Social Justice, and his colleagues, Ms. Joanne Salas, Jinmyoung Cho, Ph.D., and Jeffrey F. Scherrer, Ph.D., on their new publication in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (JPAD), a high-impact journal in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research. The study examined whether anxiety disorders and insomnia increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Using electronic health record data from more than 1.86 million adults aged 50 and older, the researchers found that both anxiety and insomnia were associated with elevated dementia risk, with anxiety showing a stronger association than insomnia. Notably, having both anxiety and insomnia did not further increase risk beyond anxiety alone. These findings highlight the importance of early screening and treatment of anxiety and sleep problems as practical strategies to support healthy cognitive aging. If you are interested in this study, please contact Dr. SangNam Ahn at sangnam.ahn@slu.edu.
Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice faculty and student researchers Jen Jen Chang, Christopher D. Hopwood, Yuki Sugawara, Abigail Andresen,Thomas E. Burroughs, Aya Bou Fakhreddine, and Steven E. Rigdon collaborated to produce "Emergency Department Utilization by Women of Reproductive Age for Mental Illness in St. Louis Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic" in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice researchers collaborated for a multi-university study titled "COVID vaccine data quality, cleaning, and management" which examines a database for county-level vaccine data that addresses these data quality issues in the 'Quality Engineering' journal.
Qiang Pu, Ph.D. (Behavioral Science and Health Equity) co-first authored the research "Ambient PM2.5 Exposure Modeling in LMICs: An Example from Peru." This international collaboration reviews recent advances in estimating ambient PM2.5 exposure in low- and middle-income country settings. The article highlights the NIH-funded Peru GeoHealth Hub’s efforts to establish a nationwide monitoring network using low-cost sensors, and describe a hybrid framework for estimating ambient PM2.5 exposure across Peru that integrates multiple geospatial technologies.
Sam Biver, Travis Loux, and Enbal Shacham published and collaborated on the research article "Association between high school physical education and physical activity in Missouri students" in the 'Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy.'
Nancy L. Weaver, Ph.D. (Behavioral Science and Health Equity) was quoted in a Ladue News article about parenting techniques.
SLU Research Links Depression, Insomnia to Higher Risk of Dementia
Anne K. Sebert Kuhlmann, Ph.D., M.P.H. and Enbal Shacham, Ph.D. (Behavioral Science and Health Equity) and Kenan Li, Ph.D. (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) along with MPH alums Maire MacMaster, Sydney Gellner, and Adam Gilmore published the research "Availability, accessibility, and functionality of public restrooms in the City of St. Louis, Missouri" in the 'Health & Place Journal.'
Anne K. Sebert Kuhlmann, Ph.D., M.P.H. (Behavioral Science and Health Equity) with former students Kenneth Kibii, Kirstin Palovick, and Cheleia Marshall published the research article "Exploring Adolescents' Menstrual Hygiene Management Needs: Findings From Students in St. Louis, Missouri Charter Schools" in the 'Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health Journal.'
Nancy L. Weaver, Ph.D. (Behavioral Science) was a guest on KMOX-AM 1120, discussing the limitations of traditional parenting and the value of neurological approaches.
The 4th Edition of the book 'Evidence-Based Public Health' published this summer examines practical guidance on how to choose, carry out, and evaluate evidence-based programs and policies in public health settings. Heath Management and Policy associate professor Kathleen N. Gillespie, Ph.D. was one of the contributing authors of the book.
Katie Stamatakis, Ph.D., M.P.H., and researchers from the Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences, the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and others from St. Louis area hospitals and clinics collaborated to publish the research study "Understanding Injury Patterns and Predictors in Pickleball Players: A Nationwide Study of 1,758 Participants." The study states, "This study provides foundational evidence to advance injury prevention initiatives in pickleball, emphasizing the need for tailored multi-component interventions, including interventions that target neuromuscular deficits in the trunk and extremities, aimed at maximizing the health benefits of pickleball among players." Along with the study, the Translational Injury Prevention Lab at SLU is hosting a Pickleball Tournament on September 19th.
Xiaoyu Liu, PhD, Mark Gaynor, PhD, Kathleen Gillespie, PhD & Echu Liu, PhD from the Department of Health Management and Policy collaborated to publish the research "Evaluation and Implications of Generative AI in Health Administration Education" in the 'Journal of Health Administration Education.' The study evaluated the performance of five LLMs in performing MHA-level tasks and the results highlight both the strengths and limitations of LLMs in health administration education.

News and Events

Brownfields Environmental Remediation Job Training Program Graduates Newest Cohort

09/17/2026- The Saint Louis University Center for Environmental Education & Training’s (CEET) Brownfields Environmental Remediation Job Training Program recently graduated its newest cohort of 12 students with the industry-recognized certifications needed to pursue high-growth careers in environmental cleanup, hazardous-waste operations, and worker safety.
Information Sessions Available for CPHSJ Accelerated Programs

09/11/2026- Biology, Health Management and Public Health majors interested in the CPHSJ Accelerated Programs are asked to attend one of three identical information sessions. The sessions are mandatory for juniors Intending to apply this fall and recommended for interested sophomores and first-year students.
Undergraduate Spotlight Q&A: Aditya Gunturu

09/03/2026- Aditya Gunturu, a senior undergraduate student in the Saint Louis University double majoring in public health and biology with a minor in health care ethics did a Q&A with the SLU College for Public Health and Social Justice.
Saint Louis University Invests Up to $1.5 Million Annually in Future Public Health Leaders

08/25/2026- The Healthier STL Scholarship is designed to prepare the next generation of public health and health management professionals committed to improving the health and well-being of communities across the St. Louis region. It's the third in a series of scholarships at SLU, investing up to $4.4 million annually in local students pursuing vital service professions.
Undergraduate Spotlight Q&A: Meghana Gangireddy

08/19/2026- Meghana Gangireddy, an undergraduate student in the Saint Louis University Bachelor of Science in Health Management program did a Q&A with the SLU College for Public Health and Social Justice.
Leslie Ain McClure to be Honored for Work in Social Justice by Association for Women in Mathematics

08/11/2026- Leslie Ain McClure, Ph.D., will receive the 2027 Mary and Alfie Gray Award for Social Justice from the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) at the Joint Mathematics Meetings in Chicago, in January 2027.
Kimberly Enard Named Interim Dean of the College for Public Health and Social Justice

08/05/2026- Kimberly Enard, Ph.D., has been named interim dean of Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice, effective Sept. 1, 2026.
Shacham Named to Newest FOCUS St. Louis Leadership Class

07/15/2026- Enbal Shacham, Ph.D., professor of Behavioral Science and Health Equity, has been named to the FOCUS St. Louis 51st Leadership St. Louis (LSL) class. Leadership St. Louis is a program for experienced leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the St. Louis region, according to FOCUS St. Louis. Shacham was one of 57 people selected to take part in the 2026-27 class.
Empowered by Jesuit Values: Maggie Kroeff Streiff’s Mission to Improve the Health of Indiana’s Residents

06/17/2026- Maggie Kroeff Streiff (PH ’19) felt a strong connection to the Jesuit call to become a “woman for others” for as long as she can remember, she said. After graduating from Saint Louis University with a bachelor’s degree in public health in 2019, she has continued to live what she learned as the quality and population health director at the Indiana Primary Health Care Association.
College for Public Health and Social Justice Announces Award Winners

06/08/2026- Faculty and staff at the College for Public Health and Social Justice at Saint Louis University recently recognized faculty and staff with awards.
Kimberly Elliott Receives Inaugural 2025-2026 College for Public Health and Social Justice's Staff Excellence Award

06/01/2026- The 2025-2026 recipient of the inaugural Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice Staff Excellence Award is Kimberly Elliott. Elliott is a program manager for the Master of Public Health program in SLU's College for Public Health and Social Justice.
Elizabeth Baker, Ph.D., Receives 2025-2026 Terry Leet Teaching Award

05/29/2026- Each year, students in the College for Public Health and Social Justice have the opportunity to nominate a faculty member who exhibits the qualities of the beloved Dr. Terry Leet. From the many exceptional teachers nominated, one faculty member is selected.
Lauren D. Arnold, Ph.D., Receives 2025-2026 Kroeff Family Award for Excellence in Teaching

05/27/2026- The 2025-2026 recipient of the Kroeff Family Award for Excellence in Teaching is Lauren D. Arnold, Ph.D., M.P.H., CPH.
SLU Student Wins Soloist Award at ICCA Regional Competition

05/01/2026- Srija Boddu, a sophomore at Saint Louis University, has earned national recognition for her vocal performance at a regional collegiate competition.
2026 Alumni Merit Awards and Pioneer Award Honorees Announced

04/27/2026- Saint Louis University's 2026 Alumni Merit Award and Pioneer Award honorees will receive their awards at SLU’s annual Commencement Recognition Dinner on May 15. They will also be celebrated during the May 16 commencement ceremony.
M.S.H.A. Gives Farzana Hoque, M.D., Skills to Make a Bigger Impact With Patients, Students

04/24/2026- Farzana Hoque, M.D., became one of the first graduates of the SLU Master of Science in Health Administration (M.S.H.A.) degree program, a program designed for future and current health care professionals seeking to accelerate their careers
SLU Graduate and Professional Programs Recognized in 2026 U.S. News Rankings

04/09/2026- More than 25 graduate and professional programs at SLU are ranked among the top 100 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Graduate School Rankings released on April 7.
SLU’s M.H.A. Program Ranked No. 16 by U.S. News & World Report

04/07/2026- The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice’s Master of Health Administration (M.H.A) program is now ranked No. 16 in the country, according the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate School Rankings.
SLU’s M.P.H. Program Ranked Top 50 by U.S. News & World Report

04/07/2026- The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice’s Master of Public Health program is now ranked No. 49 in the country, according the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate School Rankings that were released this April.
Package Pricing Now Available for Three CPHSJ Programs

03/31/2026- New for the Fall 2026 semester, students admitted to the Saint Louis University Master of Science in Health Administration (M.S.H.A.), and Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) programs will benefit from new package pricing.
Public Health and Social Justice to Host National Public Health Week 2026

03/11/2026- Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice is proud to celebrate the American Public Health Association (APHA) National Public Health Week. The week-long schedule features connecting SLU with the broader community, promoting public health initiatives, drives for those in need and much more. Below is a list of just some of the activities taking place during National Public Health Week.
Professional Notes: March 2026

03/03/2026- Professional Notes is a round-up of awards, presentations, papers, and other professional achievements of SLU faculty, staff members, and students.
Professional Notes: February 2026

02/23/2026- Professional Notes is a round-up of awards, presentations, papers, and other professional achievements of SLU faculty, staff members, and students.
Professional Notes: January 2026

01/28/2026- Professional Notes is a round-up of awards, presentations, papers, and other professional achievements of SLU faculty, staff members, and students.
SLU Remembers Dr. King at Annual MLK Memorial Tribute

01/22/2026- Saint Louis University and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis once again teamed up to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The annual memorial tribute took place Thursday, Jan. 22, in the St. Louis Room at Saint Louis University and featured remarks about King’s legacy, awards, songs and a panel discussion.
Master of Health Administration Winter Newsletter

01/12/2026- This issue of our M.H.A. newsletter celebrates the remarkable ways Saint Louis University M.H.A. alumni, students, and faculty are shaping the future of healthcare leadership.
Leading with Purpose: Transforming Healthcare through Executive Presence

12/17/2025- Sean Hogan (M.H.A. ‘90) is the President of Mercy South Communities, serving a broad spectrum of coordination and responsibilities across South St. Louis County, Jefferson County, and Southern Illinois.
Preparing for Leadership Through Real-World Experience

12/15/2025- Second-year Saint Louis University Master of Health Administration student Ishan Singh is blending his love for the business world with his passion for health economics to advance efficiency and equity in health care.
SLU MHA Program Earns CAHME Reaccreditation

11/25/2025- The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) Board of Directors approved the reaccreditation of Saint Louis University’s Master of Health Administration (MHA) program for an eight year term.
SLU Team Excels at National Interprofessional Geriatric Case Competition

11/24/2025- For the tenth consecutive year, the Saint Louis University Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) hosted the Interprofessional Geriatric Case Competition in October. A SLU team took first place and then went on to compete in nationals where they finished second.

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