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Our Areas of Research

Faculty in Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice conduct innovative research in diverse fields. We are united by our social justice mission and a drive to improve lives in the communities we live in and across the globe.

By examining complex health challenges from an interdisciplinary perspective, we strive to discover holistic solutions and collaborate with our community partners to apply these solutions sustainably.

An example of research in the College for Public Health and Social Justice: SLU faculty member and EthicalGeo fellow, Michael Rozier, S.J., Ph.D., proposes a study that investigates to what degree we view our geospatial data as part of our selves.

Innovation and Collaboration Across Disciplines

Our diversity is our greatest strength. From the ethical ramifications of geospatial technology to health economics to maternal and child health, our research spans a wide range of subjects including:

  • Chronic-disease prevention
  • Environmental pollution and health
  • Financial capability
  • Geospatial health
  • HIV/AIDS care
  • Health-policy analysis
  • Health-services research
  • Maternal and child health

Our research interests are united by our commitment of service to others: improving health and well-being locally, nationally and internationally through unique interdisciplinary approaches that inspire students, generate knowledge, and engage individuals and communities.

Learn More About our Centers and Institutes


Faculty News and Research 

Enbal Shacham, Ph.D., M. Ed.

Enbal Shacham, Ph.D., M. Ed. (Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Behavioral Science and Health Equity) co-authored the research article "The Effect of a Merit Point Incentive System on the Willingness to Donate Organs" in the journal 'Transplantation Proceedings.' 

The research conducted assessed the young adult population's perspective on their willingness to donate organs when merit points are granted to their family members to prioritize their potential transplant if needed.



Keon Gilbert, DrPH, MA, MPA

Keon L. Gilbert, DrPH, M.A., M.P.A (Department of Behavioral Science and Health Equity) and colleagues published the research essay 'Achieving the Health Equity Agenda Through Transformative Community-Engaged Strategies' in the CDC's publication titled "Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health Research, Practice, and Policy."

The essay wrestles with the question, "has community engagement realized its full potential to move the field toward achieving health equity?"



Katherine A. Stamatakis, Ph.D.

Katherine A. Stamatakis, Ph.D. (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) and Aly Terhaar (College for Public Health and Social Justice) contributed to the published study "A Community-wide Collaboration to Increase Enrollment, Retention, and Success in Evidence-Based Lifestyle-Change Programs in Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations."