Joint School of Public Health

09/25/2026

Healthy, together!

Our Joint School of Public Health faculty, staff, and collaborators had a fantastic time connecting and sharing research at this year’s Virginia Public Health Association meeting. Guided by the theme "Healthy, Together: Strengthening Public Health across the Commonwealth," took the stage across panel moderations, presentations, and poster sessions.

09/21/2026

From Hampton Roads to Cape Town!

Dr. Elizabeth Brown and Ph.D. student Priyanka Patel recently represented the at the 18th World Congress on Public Health in South Africa!

Their pilot study focuses on how social privilege influences chronic health conditions, work supported by community partners like the Hampton Roads Community Health Center. It was a trip that shared knowledge and fostered connections between Hampton Roads and international researchers.

Stay tuned as PhD student Crystal Ton presents findings with veteran population at the Virginia Public Health Association in Richmond next week!

09/16/2026

Even a few weeks into the school year, academic year nerves can get even the best of students - and professors!

Check out what ODU professors said abotu the first day of school, including the 's Dr. Elizabeth Brown.

On the first day of class, Milton Soto-Ferrari, Ph.D., pauses before opening the classroom door. Even after years of teaching, the associate professor in the School of Supply Chain, Logistics and Maritime Operations still feels a familiar sense of anticipation. “There's a moment right before I wal...

09/10/2026

It's never too late to start thinking about the next step in your education journey. Whether you're a professional looking to further their career or an undergraduate planning what you'll do after graduation, join our virtual open house on September 17 to learn more!

Register at https://bit.ly/4th13xm

09/08/2026

Let’s shape a healthier, more connected Hampton Roads together! Join the M. Foscue Brock Institute virtually or in-person at this year’s summit as we celebrate 10 years of working as a region to lift community health and well-being through the Greater Hampton Roads Population Health Summit. No matter your background or area of expertise, your voice is welcome and needed. This inclusive event brings together neighbors, advocates, educators, healthcare pros, leaders, researchers, and changemakers from every sector to learn, share ideas, and build new relationships.

Don't miss panels moderated by the 's own Dr. Leslie Hoglund and Dr. Brett Sierra for in-depth discussions with community and practitioners.

Let’s imagine a future where everyone in Hampton Roads thrives togther! Find more information and register here: https://2026GHRPHS.eventbrite.com

09/01/2026

From watching their dad teach evening classes to becoming Monarchs themselves, Thomas and Dylan Blando grew up around Old Dominion University. Now, they're charting their own paths here, studying civil engineering and oceanography while building new memories of their own.

Their dad, Dr. Jim Blando, has had a front-row seat to it all. Meet the three Monarchs behind this special family story. 🦁

As Old Dominion University students filed into an evening class taught by Jim Blando, Ph.D., two young boys settled in nearby with episodes of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” passing the time until their father finished teaching. Other times, they’d head to campus with their dad for a basketball ...

08/28/2026

Researchers at Old Dominion University are turning to an overlooked source to better understand and address persistent gaps in maternal health: doulas.

Doulas assist families before, during and after childbirth, offering emotional support, education and advocacy. They are trained, nonmedical birth support professionals who do not replace medical providers, but instead complement clinical care. Doulas help clients navigate decisions, ask questions and feel supported throughout the birthing process.

A Hampton Roads-based research project is examining how doulas are working alongside families and healthcare providers, and how their experiences could help improve reproductive health across the region and beyond.

The research is led by Elizabeth Groeneveld, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies within the ODU College of Arts & Letters, and DaShaunda Taylor, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Environmental Health here in the .

Researchers at Old Dominion University are turning to an overlooked source to better understand and address persistent gaps in maternal health: doulas. Doulas assist families before, during and after childbirth, offering emotional support, education and advocacy. They are trained, nonmedical birth s...

08/26/2026

The JSPH is moving! Due to renovations, the JSPH will move from the third floor of Hampton Hall to the PERI Lab on 46th Street on August 27-28, 2026 and remain there through early 2027. Regular classes and daily operations will continue as scheduled.

Have questions or need directions? Email us at [email protected] or call 757-683-4259.

Follow us on socials for updates! We can't wait to welcome you back to our fresh space in 2027!

08/22/2026

Public health starts with partnership, and today marked the beginning of many collaborations and partnerships when students from both Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University met at our annual College Connections event. Current students, faculty, and alumni joined in to welcome our new undergraduate and graduate students to the Joint School of Public Health family!

08/19/2026

It's never too late to start thinking about the next step in your education journey. Whether you're a professional looking to further their career or an undergraduate planning what you'll do after graduation, join our virtual open house on August 20 to learn more!

Register at https://bit.ly/4th13xm