Health Behavior Research
Overview
The Division of Health Behavior Research (HBR) focuses on evaluating multiple health risk behaviors (MHRBs) that are associated with chronic and infectious diseases, as well as research on prevention of these behaviors, with special emphasis on youth and young adults and population groups that represent health disparities. MHRBs include but are not limited to substance use (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and other drugs), sedentary behavior and poor dietary intake related to obesity, and stress related to inflammatory processes and mental health disorders. Prevention strategies range from targeted communication and marketing campaigns (including social media), school and community prevention programs, community organization, and policy research. HBR applies advanced longitudinal research methods to measure and analyze MHRBs and design precision prevention interventions. The research encompasses multiple stages of translation, from behavioral epidemiological studies to intervention development, implementation, dissemination, and policy change. The HBR division also trains pre- and post-doctoral researchers in translational research methods through several training programs.
Genevieve Dunton, PhD, MPH
Division Chief, Division of Health Behavior Research
Division Chief
Genevieve Dunton
#2022Trojan: Meet Kane Vu, Bachelor of Science in Global Health graduate
Kane Vu earns his Bachelor of Science in Global Health, and is set to earn his Master of Science in Global Medicine in fall 2022. Why did you choose to pursue your degree? I chose Global Health because I was intrigued by the idea of learning about health on a global...
#2022Trojan: Meet Jaxon Abercrombie, progressive degree graduate
Jaxon Abercrombie earns his Master of Science in Public Health Data Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention through the progressive degree program. Why did you choose to pursue your degree? This May, I am fortunate to be graduating...
Faculty Members of the Division of Health Behavior Research
Education Programs
Master of Public Health
The USC Master of Public Health program is a product of the University of Southern California’s commitment to the health and well-being of its surrounding communities, as well as nationally and internationally.
Summer Program in Diabetes and Obesity Research (SPIDOR)
Summer scholars will conduct cutting-edge research in the laboratories of faculty members from the USC Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (DORI) and will be exposed to basic science, translational, and clinical research experiences. The summer session culminates with students presenting their research findings to the KSOM community at large.
Los Angeles Biostatistics Education Summer Training program at USC (LA’s BEST)
Students receive formal training in biostatistics and meet experts in epidemiology, molecular biology, cancer, and clinical research with opportunities to work on real data sets. Students receive 2.0 units of college credit, and housing at USC, meals, transportation and tuition is covered.
Bridging the Gaps
The Keck School of Medicine’s Bridging the Gaps Summer Research Program will provide an opportunity to outstanding underrepresented students to gain meaningful exposure to the exceptional research and clinical programs at the Keck School of Medicine.
Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics is designed to prepare a biostatistician with in-depth statistical and analytic skills. The program requires a solid background in the methodological aspects of statistics, and in statistical thinking as applied to medicine, as well as, a solid grounding in epidemiological methods and in certain medical disciplines.
Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology
The Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology is designed for students interested in epidemiological and clinical trial study design and data analysis.
Centers, Institutes, Labs
Conti Lab
COVID-19 Pandemic Research Center (CPRC)
OverviewThe mission of the Population Health Sciences COVID-19 Pandemic Research Center (CPRC) is to promote translational research using multi-disciplinary approaches to understand and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the health of populations, especially the...