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Faculty News & Research

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 Enviornmental Research and Public Health.
Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice researchers collaborated for an 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

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.
Rachael Eddings (MPH ‘15) Turns Public Health Calling into Occupational Health Career

11/24/2025- Saint Louis University alum Rachael Eddings, MPH CSP (MPH ‘15) is a non-dietary occupational and residential exposure (ORE) senior scientist for Bayer in St. Louis, a position where she uses her skills to assess occupational and residential exposures with pesticides.
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.
Walter Earns SLU’s Top Teaching Honor

11/20/2025- Marcea Walter, assistant professor and director of the Master of Health Administration Program, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Nancy McNeir Ring Award for Excellence in Teaching. Walter will be presented with the award at the 2025 Midyear Commencement Ceremony. She will also deliver the commencement address. The ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Chaifetz Arena.
SLU Study Links Depression, Insomnia to Higher Risk of Dementia

11/17/2025- A study conducted by researchers at Saint Louis University found that people over 50 who suffer from both depression and insomnia are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
1818 Community Engagement Grant Winners Announced

10/31/2025- The Center for Social Action has announced the awardees for the 2025-2026 cycle of the 1818 Community Engagement Grant Program. Awardees will present on the impact of their project at the Community Engagement Showcase on from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in the Center for Global Citizenship.
Callon Receives Top SAC Honor

10/21/2025- The Staff Advisory Committee has named Maggie Callon as the 2025 Joyce Huelsmann Outstanding SAC Member Award winner. Callon, the undergraduate programs manager in the College for Public Health and Social Justice, earned the award that recognizes a member of the Staff Advisory Committee who has best exhibited the qualities necessary for the type of leadership, service and positive spirit that were a hallmark of Joyce Huelsmann and her involvement at Saint Louis University, and more specifically, the Staff Advisory Committee.
Laura Schrubb Named Director of Graduate Recruiting and Admissions; Returns to CPHSJ

10/13/2025- The Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice has named Laura Schrubb as Director of Graduate Recruiting and Admissions, effective Oct. 13, 2025.
Professional Notes: September 2025

09/25/2025- Professional Notes is a round-up of awards, presentations, papers, and other professional achievements of SLU faculty, staff members, and students.
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.
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.
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.

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