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

dunton@usc.edu

USC Receives $1.3 Million NIH Training Grant to Enhance Diversity in Addiction Science

New flavored nicotine gums, lozenges, and gummies rank second among nicotine products used by U.S. teens

Largest ever study of tobacco content on social media links exposure to tobacco use

Faculty Members of the Division of Health Behavior Research

Jon-Patrick Allem - PhD, MA

Assistant Professor of Research Population and Public Health Sciences

I focus on developing, implementing and testing culturally and community based interventions to reduce health inequities in diverse communities.

Lourdes Baez Conde - PhD, MPH

Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences; Associate Dean for Community Initiatives; Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement

Jessica Barrington-Trimis - PhD, MS, MA

Associate Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences

Britni Belcher - PhD, MPH

Assistant Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences

I study the impact of mindfulness training on human behavior using clinical trials methods.

David Black - PhD, MPH

Associate Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences

Ricky Bluthenthal - PhD

Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences; Associate Dean for Social Justice

Rachel Ceasar - PhD

Assistant Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences

Junhan Cho - PhD

Assistant Professor of Research Population and Public Health Sciences

Kayla de la Haye - PhD

Associate Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences

Applying mobile and wearable technologies to build theories and design interventions promoting physical activity and dietary change.

Genevieve Dunton - PhD, MPH

Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences & Psychology; Division Chief for the Division of Health Behavior Research (HBR)

Chanita Hughes Halbert - PhD

Professor of Population & Public Health Sciences; Dr. Arthur and Priscilla Ulene Chair in Womens Cancer; Vice Chair for Research, Preventive Medicine; Associate Director for Cancer Equity

Jimi Huh - PhD

Associate Professor of Research Population and Public Health Sciences

Matthew Kirkpatrick - PhD

Associate Professor of Research Population and Public Health Sciences

Adam Leventhal - PhD

Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences; Director of the Institute for Addiction Science

Armine Lulejian - EdD

Assistant Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences

I examine biobehavioral and psychosocial models of eating disorders and obesity with a focus on momentary processes that predict behaviors.

Tyler Mason - PhD

Assistant Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences

I focus on adolescent and young adult cancer survivorship to improve healthy outcomes for this at-risk population.

Kimberly Miller - PhD, MPH

Associate Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences; Co-Director, USC Center for Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research

Elahe Nezami - PhD

Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences and Medical Education (Educational Scholar); Director, Health Promotion and Global Health Programs; Director, Global Medicine Program (MSGM)

Raina Pang - PhD

Associate Professor of Research Population and Public Health Sciences

Maryann Pentz - PhD

Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences; Sidney R. Garfield Chair in Health Sciences; Director, Institute for Prevention Research

I develop, evaluate, and disseminate interventions focused on promoting healthy behaviors and reducing risk for disease among adolescents.

Louise Rohrbach - PhD, MPH

Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences

Claradina Soto - PhD, MPH

Associate Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences

Jane Steinberg - PhD, MPH

Associate Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences

Steven Sussman - PhD, FAAHB, FAPA

Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences

My research follows a team-science model to examine emerging tobacco product use among adolescents/young adults and how this impacts their health.

Alayna Tackett - PhD

Assistant Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences

I study the psychosocial and cultural risk and protective factors for health-related behaviors across diverse populations.

Jennifer Unger - PhD

Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences; Associate Training Director

Thomas Valente - PhD

Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences

Heather Wipfli - PhD

Associate Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences and International Relations

All Faculty

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.

Graduate Certificate in Global Medicine

The Graduate Certificate in Global Medicine program is for anyone interested in augmenting their understanding of global health instead of pursuing a full Master of Science degree in Global Medicine.

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Behavior Research

The Doctor of Philosophy in Health Behavior Research program provides academic and research training for students interested in pursuing career opportunities in the field of health promotion and disease prevention research.

Bachelor of Science in Global Health

The Bachelor of Science in Global Health offers an examination of public health and policy issues in the context of global affairs. The program provides students with a strong background in understanding and evaluating global health issues and prepares students to become health professionals with international competencies. This program is an ideal major for students interested in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, international relations, public health, epidemiology, health psychology and health behavior research.

Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

The Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies provides a well-rounded, professionally focused education. The program is concerned with the sociocultural, behavioral, psychological, and biological factors contributing to wellness and disease. It is an ideal major for students interested in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, epidemiology, health psychology and health behavior research.

Master of Public Health (online)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) Online program at USC offers a rigorous curriculum that attracts dedicated and ambitious professionals with a passion to serve in the public health arena. The program’s core coursework aims to develop your key public health competencies and skills through the use of cases and examples from industry — ranging from local to global.

Master of Science in Global Medicine

The Master of Science in Global Medicine degree answers the urgent need for professional training in concepts of global health. Combining a strong medical science foundation with interdisciplinary approaches to healthcare, the program equips future healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to solve worldwide health issues.

Centers, Institutes, Labs

Center for Applied Network Analysis

Center for Health Equity in the Americas (CenHealth)

Center for Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research

COVID-19 Pandemic Research Center (CPRC)

Promoting translational research using multi-disciplinary approaches to understand and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the health of populations, especially the diverse populations of Los Angeles, California and beyond, especially those experiencing health inequities.