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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.
Behavioral Science and Health Equity professor Nancy L. Weaver, Ph.D., M.P.H. published the article "Parenting strategies are shifting as neuroscience brings the developing brain into clearer focus" in 'The Conversation.'
SangNam Ahn, Ph.D. (Health Management and Policy) led the publishing of the research article "Insomnia, major depressive disorders, and risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias" in the 'Aging & Mental Health Journal.' The research concluded that addressing sleep disturbances and depression may help lower dementia risk vulnerable populations.
Steve E. Rigdon, Ph.D. (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) published the research article "Comparisons of Optimal Generally Weighted Moving Average and Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Charts" in the 'Quality and Reliability Engineering International Journal.'
Zhengmin Qian, Ph.D., M.D. (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Lauren D. Arnold, Ph.D. (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), and Tom Burroughs (Health Management & Policy) collaborated with other researchers outside of SLU to produce the research "Ambient air pollution exposure accelerates the occurrence of 78 non-communicable chronic diseases: an accelerated failure time analysis of a nationwide cohort" published in the 'GeroScience' Journal. According to the research, "This study provides the first evidence that air pollutants could accelerate onset of common chronic diseases. Findings highlight the urgent need for measures to improve air quality to slow progression of disease development."
SangNam Ahn, Ph.D. (Health Management and Policy) was quoted in a Medical Xpress article about his research into a link between depression and diabetes.
Cheryl Rathert, Ph.D. (Department of Health Management and Policy) contributed to the collaborative research "Team Creativity as a Catalyst for Care Effectiveness and Well-Being in Primary Care Teams" in the 'Academy of Management' journal. The "study advances understanding of team dynamics in healthcare and provides actionable insights for supporting sustainable and innovative practices in primary care settings."

News and Events

Two Honored at Faculty Senate Kickoff

09/18/2025- The Faculty Senate held its annual Kickoff Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 16. During the dinner, David Kaplan, Ph.D., and Anne K. Sebert Kuhlmann, Ph.D., were honored at the Faculty Senate Kickoff Dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. Kaplan, a professor in the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, received the John A. Slosar Shared Governance Award. Sebert Kuhlmann, a professor in the College for Public Health and Social Justice, received the Dr. Norman A. White Award for Engaged Scholarship and Service.
An Alumna’s Journey to Empower Others with Autoimmune Diseases

09/02/2025- Despite the daunting challenge of unexplained and relentless pain that overshadowed her life for almost 15 years, Saint Louis University alumna Melissa Marquis (GRAD PH '09) turned her suffering into strength.
Kimberly Enard Appointed to the James R. Kimmey, MD, MPH, Endowed Chair in Public Health

08/29/2025- The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice is delighted to announce the appointment of Kimberly Enard, Ph.D., to the James R. Kimmey, M.D., M.P.H., Endowed Chair in Public Health.
Protecting the Pack At The Saint Louis Zoo

08/18/2025- Domini Montgomery, MPH, ASP, CSP, CEAS (MPH ‘13) has the good fortune to work in one of the most unique work spaces in Saint Louis. As the Director of Safety and Risk Management at the Saint Louis Zoo Montgomery naturally works in close proximity to animals of all kinds and with a vibrant Zoo community.
SLU Research Explores Depression's Ripple Effect on Diabetes

07/11/2025- A study conducted by researchers at Saint Louis University found that patients with depression were more likely to have uncontrolled diabetes over time, and that depression contributes to a heightened economic burden to diabetes management.
SLU to Sell Salus Center

07/08/2025- To better steward its resources and reduce its overall facilities footprint, Saint Louis University has announced plans to sell Salus Center, formerly home to SLU’s College for Public Health and Social Justice.
CPHSJ Research Roundup: June 2025

06/17/2025- The Research Roundup is a collection of recently published Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice faculty research, faculty featured in the news as expert sources, and professional achievements from February until mid-June.
Professional Notes: June 2025

05/30/2025- Professional Notes is a round-up of awards, presentations, papers, and other professional achievements of SLU faculty, staff members, and students.
Kimberly Enard and Marcea Walter Assume New Leadership Roles in CPHSJ

05/23/2025- The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice announces, effective July 1, 2025, that Kimberly Enard, Ph.D., will serve as the Chair of the Department of Health Management and Policy at Saint Louis University. Marcea Walter, M.H.S.A., will become the director of SLU's Master of Health Administration program.
2025 Alumni Merit Awards

05/19/2025- Saint Louis University honored 12 distinguished graduates from across 11 schools and colleges as Alumni Merit Award or Pioneer Award recipients during SLU’s Commencement Recognition Dinner.
Saint Louis University’s New Venture Accelerator Names Second Cohort

05/05/2025- Saint Louis University’s New Venture Accelerator (NVA), launched in 2024 out of the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship, announces its second cohort of participants.
First-Year SLU M.H.A. Students Place Third in Health Administration Case Contest

04/25/2025- A team of first-year Saint Louis University Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) students placed third at the 14th Annual The Ohio State University (OSU) First-Year Health Administration Case Competition.
SLU’s M.H.A. Program Ranked No. 19 by U.S. News & World Report

04/17/2025- The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice’s Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) program is now ranked No. 19 in the country, making it among the top 20 in the nation, according to the newest edition of the 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate School Rankings.
Three CPHSJ Students Earn Spirit of the Billiken Honors for 2025

04/14/2025- Reueline Arulanandam, Claire Leingang, and Michael Poirier were awarded the Spirit of the Billiken Award. The Billikens who receive this award will continue their engagement with the University after graduation and be active members of the alumni community.
A New Location, A Renovation: SLU Community Joins CPHSJ to Cheer a Move That Was Years in the Making

04/01/2025- At the start of the spring 2025 semester, Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice made a big move. Faculty, staff, and students left their homes in Salus Center, packed up, and headed north. The College now calls the second floor of the Marvin and Harlene Wool Center home. Members of the SLU community gathered in the space Monday afternoon to officially celebrate the move with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Saint Louis University Women’s Commission Spotlight: Katherine Stamatakis Ph.D., M.P.H.

03/27/2025- Katherine (Katie) Stamatakis is a professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the College of Public Health and Social Justice where she also serves as the interim director of Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program. Dr. Stamatakis’ research work includes chronic disease epidemiology, implementation science, sleep and metabolic determinants of chronic disease.
Public Health and Social Justice to Host National Public Health Week 2025

03/25/2025- Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice is proud to celebrate 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.
SLU M.H.A. Students Advance to Finals in 2025 UAB Student Case Competition

03/12/2025- A team of Saint Louis University (SLU) Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) students advance to finals in the 19th Annual UAB Health Administration Case Competition. Case competitions allow students to gain hands-on experience diving into real-world healthcare problems.
Honorees Recognized at 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration and Awards Ceremony

02/25/2025- The third annual Black History Month Celebration and Awards Ceremony, hosted by SLU's Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship, took place on Saturday, Feb. 22. Eight awards were given out during the event to students, staff, and faculty from across the University.
CPHSJ Research Roundup: February 2025

02/24/2025- The Research Roundup is a collection of recently published Saint Louis University College of Public Health and Social Justice faculty research, faculty featured in the news as expert sources, and professional achievements from November until mid-February.
New CPHSJ Workshop Series to Prepare Faculty for Potential Teaching Challenges

02/01/2025- Each workshop will focus on a teaching challenge that is rooted in the types of group dynamics we commonly experience or observe in the classroom.
Second-Year M.H.A. Student Explores All Sides of Health Administration During Internship

01/27/2025- Second-year M.H.A. student Spencer Shreve got a first-hand look at all sides of the health administration world while completing his internship at the University of Colorado Health in Colorado Springs last summer.
M.P.H. Student Uses Skills Gained at CPHSJ During Corrections Medicine Internship

01/24/2025- Sehar Jain, a second-year MPH student, spent her summer interning with the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health within their Corrections Medicine Division located at the Buzz Westfall Justice Center. Sehar worked with a team of individuals who aided the medical director in overseeing inmate healthcare.
The College for Public Health and Social Justice Relocates to Renovated Space in Wool Center

01/16/2025- On Jan. 13th, the College for Public Health and Social Justice successfully welcomed students on the first day of class to their new home on the second floor of the Marvin and Harlene Wool Center.
Kelly Lane-deGraaf, Ph.D. Joins CPHSJ as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

12/05/2024- The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice has named Kelly Lane-deGraaf, Ph.D. as the Associate Dean in Academic Affairs as well as an associate professor in Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases.
Professional Notes: November 2024

11/20/2024- Professional Notes is a round-up of awards, presentations, papers, and other professional achievements of SLU faculty, staff members, and students.
CPHSJ Research Roundup: October 2024

10/30/2024- The 'Research Roundup' is a collection of recently published faculty research, faculty featured in the news as expert sources, and professional achievements.
SLU Medical Students Honor ‘Invaluable’ Gift of Body Donors with Memorial Service

10/29/2024- Students at Saint Louis University honored those who donated their bodies for medical education with an interfaith memorial service on Friday, Oct. 25.
Health Management Minor to be Offered to Undergraduate Students, Beginning Fall 2024

08/26/2024- Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice will begin offering the new health management minor, requiring just 18 credits to completion.
Professional Notes: Summer 2024

08/26/2024- Professional Notes is a round-up of awards, presentations, papers, and other professional achievements of SLU faculty, staff members, and students.

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