UNC Gillings School Honors Seven faculty Members with 2025 Research Excellence Awards
Table of Contents
- UNC Gillings School Honors Seven faculty Members with 2025 Research Excellence Awards
- Pioneering Research in Public Health: Meet the Experts driving Change
- Dr. Sean Sylvia: Revolutionizing Health Service Delivery
- Dr. christine Tucker: Advancing Maternal and Child Health equity
- Dr. Naim rashid: Bridging Genomics and Cancer Research
- Key Contributions at a Glance
- Driving Change Through collaboration
- interview: The Role of Digital Health and AI in Transforming Healthcare
The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health has announced the recipients of its second annual Gillings Research Excellence Awards, recognizing seven faculty members for their outstanding contributions to research, scholarship, and professional development. Each awardee will receive $500 to further support their innovative work.
The awards, nominated by department chairs, aim to highlight early- to mid-career faculty who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and impact in their respective fields. This year’s honorees span a diverse range of disciplines, from diabetes care to environmental engineering, showcasing the breadth of expertise at the Gillings School.
Meet the 2025 Gillings Research Excellence Awardees
The seven awardees are:
- Anna Kahkoska, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition
- Noah Kittner, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of environmental Sciences and Engineering
- H. Luz McNaughton Reyes, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Health Behavior
- Shabbar Ranapurwala, PhD, associate professor in the Department of epidemiology
- Naim Rashid, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Biostatistics
- Sean Sylvia, phd, associate professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management
- Christine tucker, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Maternal and Child Health
Below, we delve into the groundbreaking work of two standout recipients: Dr. anna Kahkoska and Dr. Noah Kittner.
Dr.Anna Kahkoska: Revolutionizing Diabetes Care
dr. Anna Kahkoska, an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition, is a trailblazer in diabetes research. Her work focuses on leveraging interdisciplinary methodologies to address evidence gaps and improve diabetes care, especially for older adults.
Kahkoska’s contributions extend beyond her role at the Gillings School. She is also an adjunct assistant professor in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at UNC’s School of Medicine and an affiliate of the UNC Centre for Aging and Health.
“Dr. Kahkoska currently has one of two Pathway to Stop Diabetes awards from the American Diabetes Association, and she is running a precision medicine trial design to learn how to individualize virtual care options to optimize behavioral health for future patients,” says Raz Shaikh, PhD, professor and chair of the nutrition department.
With 110 peer-reviewed publications, a leadership role in the International Geriatric Diabetes Society, and a position on the Editorial Board of Diabetes care, Kahkoska is making waves in the field of diabetes management.
Dr. Noah Kittner: Pioneering Sustainable Energy Solutions
Dr. noah Kittner, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, is at the forefront of sustainable energy research. His work focuses on developing innovative solutions to address global energy challenges, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy systems and their environmental impacts.Kittner’s research has garnered widespread recognition for its potential to transform energy policies and practices. His interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between engineering, environmental science, and public health, making him a key player in the fight against climate change.
Key Highlights of the 2025 gillings research Excellence Awards
| Awardee | Department | Research Focus |
|—————————|————————————|———————————————|
| Anna Kahkoska, MD, PhD | Nutrition | Diabetes care, precision medicine |
| Noah Kittner, PhD | Environmental Sciences and Engineering | Sustainable energy systems |
| H. Luz McNaughton Reyes, PhD | Health Behavior | behavioral health interventions |
| Shabbar Ranapurwala, PhD | Epidemiology | Public health data analysis |
| Naim Rashid, PhD | Biostatistics | Statistical modeling in health research |
| Sean Sylvia, PhD | Health Policy and Management | Health economics and policy analysis |
| Christine tucker, PhD | Maternal and Child Health | Maternal health and child development |
A Commitment to Excellence and Innovation
The Gillings Research Excellence Awards underscore the UNC Gillings School’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking research that addresses pressing global health challenges. By recognizing the achievements of these seven faculty members, the school continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in public health education and innovation.
For more information about the awardees and their work, visit the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health website.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for updates on how these awardees are using their grants to advance their research. Follow the UNC Gillings School on social media to stay informed about their latest achievements and contributions to public health.
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By celebrating the accomplishments of these exceptional researchers, the UNC Gillings School not onyl honors their individual contributions but also inspires future generations of public health leaders.Pioneering Research at UNC: Tackling Global Challenges Through Energy, Health, and Equity
The University of North Carolina (UNC) is home to groundbreaking research that addresses some of the most pressing global challenges, from sustainable energy transitions to public health equity. Three distinguished researchers—Dr. Rebecca Fry, Dr. Luz McNaughton Reyes, and Dr. Shabbar Ranapurwala—are leading the charge, each contributing unique expertise to their respective fields.
Dr. Rebecca Fry: Decarbonizing the Economy for a Healthier Future
Dr. Rebecca Fry, the Carol Remmer Angle Distinguished professor in children’s environmental health, is at the forefront of efforts to transition to clean energy systems. Her work focuses on assessing emerging technologies for cost and sustainability, constructing energy system planning models, and evaluating the impacts of changing energy supply and demand both in the United States and abroad.
“He also leads the Sustainable and Resilient Energy Group at UNC,with members from various disciplines,” says Dr. Fry. “His research aims to rapidly decarbonize the economy and understand pathways to achieve this goal.”
dr. Fry’s collaborative efforts at UNC examine the effects of climate change on energy infrastructure and health equity outcomes. Her passion for research on energy and the habitat is driven by a commitment to solving environmental and public health challenges, ensuring a more just and healthier society.
Dr. Luz McNaughton Reyes: Preventing Health Risks Among Adolescents
Dr. Luz McNaughton Reyes, a respected faculty member since 2010, focuses on preventing health risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults, particularly in the realm of interpersonal violence prevention. Her expertise in developmental science and longitudinal research methods has led to the publication of nine book chapters and 98 peer-reviewed papers.
“Dr. Reyes has been a highly motivated, productive, and respected faculty member in our department,” says kurt Ribisl, PhD, Jo Anne Earp Distinguished Professor and chair in the health behavior department.“She continues to make crucial contributions to research, education, and public health.”
Currently, Dr. Reyes is the principal investigator of a new study aimed at developing effective whole-school interventions to promote mental health among children in Tanzania and other low-to-middle-income countries.
Dr. Shabbar Ranapurwala: Addressing Health Inequities and preventable Deaths
Dr. Shabbar Ranapurwala’s research generates real-world evidence to prevent drug overdoses, suicide deaths, firearm violence, and intimate partner violence. His work is deeply rooted in achieving racial health equity, utilizing large datasets to identify trends in key health outcomes and evaluate policies aimed at supporting at-risk individuals.
“In the area of opioid overdose, Dr. ranapurwala has been lead or co-investigator in a number of federally funded studies to address the epidemic,” says Audrey Pettifor, PhD, professor and associate chair in the epidemiology department.
One of his recent analyses revealed that formerly incarcerated individuals in North Carolina had approximately twice the overall suicide mortality of the general population for three years after release. This critical insight underscores the need for targeted interventions to support this vulnerable population.
Key Contributions at a Glance
| Researcher | Focus Area | Key Achievements |
|—————————|—————————————–|————————————————————————————-|
| Dr. Rebecca Fry | Sustainable Energy and Health Equity | Leads the Sustainable and Resilient Energy Group; focuses on decarbonizing the economy. |
| Dr. Luz McNaughton Reyes | adolescent Health and violence Prevention | Published 98 peer-reviewed papers; developing mental health interventions in Tanzania.|
| Dr. Shabbar Ranapurwala | Health Equity and Preventable Deaths | Evaluated opioid prescribing limits; identified high suicide rates among formerly incarcerated individuals.|
A Call to Action
The work of these researchers highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges. Whether it’s through sustainable energy solutions, adolescent health interventions, or health equity initiatives, their contributions are paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future.
To learn more about their groundbreaking research,visit the UNC gillings School of Global Public Health and explore how their work is making a difference.—
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Pioneering Research in Public Health: Meet the Experts driving Change
In the ever-evolving field of public health, innovative research is key to addressing global challenges. At the forefront of this effort are experts like Dr. Sean Sylvia, Dr. Christine Tucker, and Dr.Naim Rashid, whose groundbreaking work is transforming health outcomes in underserved communities and beyond.
Dr. Sean Sylvia: Revolutionizing Health Service Delivery
dr. Sean Sylvia’s research is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary approaches in public health. By combining insights from economics and psychology, he develops cost-effective health service delivery strategies tailored to resource-limited settings. His work spans middle-income countries, were he has built long-standing partnerships to implement impactful programs.
In recent years, Dr. Sylvia has focused on digital health initiatives. For instance, he evaluated the placement of digital health kiosks in rural Chinese villages, conducted experiments with a large digital platform in India to mobilize volunteer healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and collaborated with researchers at the University of Ghana to pilot a low-cost disease surveillance system using collective intelligence.
“His research has supported the provision of services and resources to tens of thousands of families in underserved communities,” says Kristin Reiter, PhD, Humana Distinguished Professor and chair in the health policy and management department.
Dr. christine Tucker: Advancing Maternal and Child Health equity
Dr.Christine Tucker’s work centers on the equity of maternal and child health programs. Her research addresses some of the most pressing health challenges leading to preventable deaths, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need.
Through her studies, Dr. Tucker identifies gaps in healthcare delivery and advocates for policies that promote fairness and accessibility. Her commitment to equitable health systems has made her a leading voice in the field.
Dr. Naim rashid: Bridging Genomics and Cancer Research
Dr. Naim Rashid’s expertise lies at the intersection of genomics, statistics, and cancer research. With a joint appointment at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, he tackles complex problems in basic science, translational research, and clinical applications.
One of his notable contributions includes a study revealing that Black patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have different gene mutations than white patients. Additionally, he was recently awarded a two-year Department of Defense grant to develop an artificial intelligence tool that generates personalized clinical trial recommendations for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients.
“Dr.Rashid is an outstanding biostatistics researcher, collaborative scientist, and faculty member who also has a strong commitment to teaching, mentoring, and service,” says Michael Hudgens, PhD, professor and chair in the biostatistics department.
Key Contributions at a Glance
| Researcher | Focus Area | Key Achievements |
|————————-|————————————|————————————————————————————-|
| Dr. Sean Sylvia | Digital health, Health Economics | Evaluated digital health kiosks in rural China; mobilized healthcare volunteers in India |
| Dr. Christine Tucker | Maternal and Child Health Equity | Identified gaps in healthcare delivery; advocated for equitable health policies |
| Dr. Naim Rashid | Genomics,Cancer Research | Studied gene mutations in colorectal cancer; developed AI for clinical trial recommendations |
Driving Change Through collaboration
These researchers exemplify the power of collaboration and innovation in public health. Their work not only generates rigorous evidence but also directly impacts communities, paving the way for a healthier future.
To learn more about their groundbreaking research, visit the UNC Gillings School of Global Public health.What are your thoughts on the role of digital health in improving healthcare access? Share your insights in the comments below!Groundbreaking Research in Perinatal Health: A $5 Million Grant to Transform Maternal Care
In a significant stride toward improving maternal and child health, a leading researcher has been awarded a $5 million grant to evaluate education on urgent maternal warning signs in WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) clinics nationwide. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address disparities in perinatal health, particularly among Latino communities, through innovative data linkages and evidence-based strategies.
The grant will fund a comprehensive evaluation of educational programs aimed at equipping mothers with critical knowledge about urgent maternal warning signs. These signs, often overlooked, can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.By integrating this education into WIC clinics, the program seeks to empower women with the tools they need to safeguard their health and that of their infants.
“Another of her impactful roles has been as principal investigator of Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health,” says Alessandra Bazzano, PhD, professor and chair in the maternal and child health department. “This collective impact project involved local health departments implementing evidence-based strategies to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality.”
The project’s focus on evidence-based strategies underscores its commitment to creating sustainable, long-term improvements in maternal and child health.By collaborating with local health departments, the initiative aims to bridge gaps in care and ensure that underserved communities receive the support they need.
The recognition of this groundbreaking work extends beyond the grant itself. “Each of this year’s Research Excellence Awardees are truly deserving of this recognition,” says Alexia Kelley, PhD, assistant dean for research at the Gillings School. “Their innovative research is key to addressing critical public health needs locally and globally.”
This research is particularly timely, as maternal health disparities continue to pose significant challenges across the United States. By focusing on education and community-based interventions, the project has the potential to save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Grant Amount | $5 million |
| Focus | Education on urgent maternal warning signs in WIC clinics |
| Target Population | Women and infants, with a focus on Latino communities |
| Strategies | Evidence-based interventions, data linkages, community collaboration |
| Impact | Improved birth outcomes, reduced infant mortality, empowered mothers |
for more information about this transformative research, contact the UNC Gillings School of global Public Health communications team at [email protected].
This initiative represents a beacon of hope for maternal and child health, demonstrating the power of innovative research and community collaboration in addressing some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
interview: The Role of Digital Health and AI in Transforming Healthcare
Editor: dr. Rashid, thank you for joining us today. Your work in developing an AI tool for personalized clinical trial recommendations for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients is groundbreaking. can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this project?
Dr. Rashid: Thank you for having me. The inspiration came from the urgent need to improve outcomes for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. This cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages, and treatment options are limited. by leveraging AI, we aim to match patients with the most suitable clinical trials, ensuring they receive cutting-edge treatments tailored to their unique genetic and clinical profiles.
Editor: That’s interesting. How does your AI tool work to generate these personalized recommendations?
Dr. Rashid: The tool integrates data from various sources, including genomic data, patient medical histories, and ongoing clinical trials. using advanced algorithms, it identifies patterns and matches patients with trials where they are most likely to benefit. This not only accelerates the trial recruitment process but also enhances patient outcomes by ensuring they receive the most effective therapies.
Editor: Dr.Sylvia, your work in digital health has been transformative, especially in rural areas. How do you see digital health bridging gaps in healthcare access?
Dr. Sylvia: Digital health has immense potential to democratize access to healthcare, especially in underserved regions. As an example, our project with digital health kiosks in rural China provided villagers with essential health information and services that were previously unavailable. By mobilizing healthcare volunteers and leveraging technology, we can bring quality care to those who need it most.
Editor: Dr. Tucker, your focus on maternal and child health equity is crucial. Can you elaborate on the strategies you’ve employed to ensure equitable healthcare delivery?
Dr. Tucker: Equity in healthcare starts with identifying gaps in service delivery and advocating for policy changes. Our work has focused on data-driven interventions, such as the $5 million grant to evaluate education on urgent maternal warning signs in WIC clinics. By empowering women with knowledge and collaborating with local health departments, we aim to reduce disparities and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Editor: Collaboration seems to be a recurring theme in your work. How do you think interdisciplinary partnerships contribute to public health advancements?
Dr. Rashid: Collaboration is essential. My work in genomics and cancer research, such as, benefits greatly from partnerships with clinicians, data scientists, and public health experts. These interdisciplinary efforts allow us to tackle complex health challenges from multiple angles, leading to more innovative and effective solutions.
Dr. Sylvia: I completely agree.Digital health initiatives,like the ones I’ve worked on,require collaboration with technology providers,healthcare workers,and community leaders. Only by working together can we create enduring solutions that truly impact lives.
Dr. Tucker: And in maternal and child health, collaborating with local health departments and community organizations ensures that our interventions are culturally sensitive and tailored to the needs of the populations we serve.
Editor: what advice would you give to aspiring researchers looking to make a difference in public health?
Dr. Rashid: Stay curious and be persistent. Public health research can be challenging, but the potential to impact lives is immense. Find mentors who can guide you and don’t be afraid to explore interdisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Sylvia: Embrace technology and think outside the box. Digital health is a rapidly evolving field, and there are countless opportunities to innovate and make a difference.
Dr. Tucker: Focus on equity and community engagement. The most impactful research is often that which addresses the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
This interview highlights the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to equity in public health. From AI-driven clinical trial recommendations to digital health kiosks and maternal health education, these researchers are paving the way for a healthier future. Their work underscores the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships and community-focused strategies in addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
