Kent State University College of Public Health and Health Sciences

Top-tier research. Real-world impact. National recognition.

Congratulations to Tsz Chun Lam, PhD candidate, and Tianyuan Guan, assistant professor of biostatistics in the Kent State University College of Public Health and Health Sciences, on presenting their research at the Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM) 2026 in Boston (MA) - the premier annual gathering of statisticians and data scientists.

Their poster, "Why Our Young People V**e? A Trend Analysis of Psychological Distress and Current E-Cigarette Use Among College Students," leverages advanced statistical methods to better understand the complex relationship between mental health and va**ng among college students.

We're proud to see our faculty and students advancing impactful, data-driven research on one of the world's leading scientific stages. Congratulations on representing CPHHS with excellence!

Learning without borders! This summer marked the 10th year of the Kent State University College of Public Health and Health Sciences' Global Health Immersion Program in Geneva, Switzerland.

Students had the opportunity to meet with global leaders and experts at the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations, The Global Fund, the World Council of Churches, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Health Innovation Exchange and more, gaining firsthand insight into the partnerships and innovation driving global health.

The experience gave students a deeper understanding of today's public health challenges while building valuable connections and perspectives they'll carry into their future careers.

Here's to 10 years of preparing the next generation of global health leaders!

Learn more about the program: https://www.kent.edu/globaleducation/education-abroad/global-health-immersion-geneva-switzerland

Canadian wildfire smoke is impacting air quality across Northeast Ohio and beyond. The Ohio EPA has issued an Air Quality Advisory for much of the region as smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada continues to affect local air quality.

Poor air quality can increase the risk of breathing problems, especially for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease.

To help protect your health:
• Limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
• Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
• Use air conditioning on the recirculate setting.
• If you must spend extended time outdoors when air quality is poor, a well-fitting N95 or KN95 respirator may help reduce smoke exposure.

Stay informed by monitoring the Air Quality Index through the Ohio EPA and your local weather updates. Small steps can help reduce your exposure until air quality improves.

https://ow.ly/v9Yh50ZoxcH

Walking the Talk! This spring, Kent State's Speech-Language Pathology program took hands-on learning to the next level by embedding graduate clinicians in eight Child Development Center classrooms for weekly enrichment sessions.

Beyond screenings, students built real-world skills in classroom facilitation, collaboration with teachers, and early language and literacy support - all while making a meaningful impact on young learners.

Read the full blueprint of this successful partnership between CPHHS and the College of Education and Human Services at Kent State University: https://ow.ly/7SGN50Zn5tb

Don't forget to join us on Wednesday at noon for a free continuing education webinar on "Hearts in Your Hands: Tools to Fight Heart Disease." Presented by Melissa Dyer, Ph.D., MBA, MSN, RN, professor in the College of Nursing and Clinical Director of the Kent State Community Health Workers Training Program, this engaging CE session will focus on evidence-based strategies that can make a lasting impact on the lives of your patients, clients, and community members.

Participants licensed by the Ohio Board of Nursing can receive 1 free CE hour after completion of the course and the final post-evaluation.

Registration is not required. Join here: https://ow.ly/R6Y050ZbYzA

Become a mental health gatekeeper. Join the Kent State Center for Public Policy and Health A.I.D. Mental Health Awareness Training and learn how to recognize, interact, and direct those in need. Register today at https://kent.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a4TVbwjY5XvTEVw

Congratulations to Dr. Ndidi Edeh!

The College of Public Health is proud to congratulate Ndidi Edeh on the successful defense of her doctoral dissertation and the completion of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health degree, Epidemiology concentration.
Ndidi's dissertation, "Racism as a Root Cause of Poor Birth Outcomes Among Non-Hispanic Black Women," examined the relationships among perceived racism, perceived stress, and adverse birth outcomes, contributing important evidence to the understanding of racial inequities in maternal and infant health.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Edeh on this outstanding accomplishment and wishing her continued success in her career and future endeavors!

Mark your calendars for a free continuing education webinar on "Hearts in Your Hands: Tools to Fight Heart Disease." Presented by Melissa Dyer, Ph.D., MBA, MSN, RN, professor in the College of Nursing and Clinical Director of the Kent State Community Health Workers Training Program, this engaging CE session will focus on evidence-based strategies that can make a lasting impact on the lives of your patients, clients, and community members.

Participants licensed by the Ohio Board of Nursing can receive 1 free CE hour after completion of the course and the final post-evaluation.

Join here: https://ow.ly/R6Y050ZbYzA