Health Beat
July-September 2025
College of Health newsletter
All the news that's fit to print
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Visibility
News and stories
These stories are predominately made up from the college's alumni magazine and press releases from OSU News and Research Communications.
Tribal partnerships inform OSU Extension’s food preservation initiative
The Gather, Preserve, Store, Share program brings culturally responsive food preservation education to Native communities across Oregon, combining traditional methods like sun drying with modern safety practices.
Alumna is newest inductee into NATA Hall of Fame
Katie Walsh Flanagan, MS, EdD, LAT, ATC, Oregon State University alumna and 1980 Physical Education graduate, has been inducted into the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Hall of Fame. Her 43-year career in athletic training began with a chance injury during her time at OSU, leading her from pre-veterinary studies to becoming a leader in the athletic training profession.
Child care supply continues to improve in many Oregon counties, report finds
College of Health researchers have documented significant improvements in child care availability across Oregon, with only nine of the state's 36 counties now considered preschool child care deserts, according to a new report commissioned by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care.
Study documents unhealthy noise in Portland, provides research framework for other cities
First U.S. study of its kind by OSU researchers finds Portland noise exceeds EPA and WHO guidelines, with loudest areas affecting low-income and non-white neighborhoods disproportionately.
High-achieving students get policymaking experiential learning with University Legislative Scholars
The OSU University Legislative Scholars program, led by Associate Professor David Rothwell, provides high-achieving undergraduates with immersive policymaking experience through visits to the Oregon Legislature, meetings with elected officials, and advocacy training.
10 Questions With College of Health Dean Debbie Craig
New College of Health Dean Debbie Craig shares her journey from athletic training to academia, vision for health equity, AI in healthcare and plans for Oregon communities.
Good News!
Good News
Our faculty, staff and students do amazing things!
They receive national, university and college honors; publish books and articles; serve on editorial boards and much more.
Did you or someone you know do something we should share? Let us know by submitting some Good News.
Doris Cancel-Tirado honored with OSU Community Engaged Scholarship Team Award
Doris and two colleagues in the OSU College of Agricultural Science are being recognized for their service-learning study abroad program connecting OSU students with community organizations in Puerto Rico.
Students abroad prefer Marit Bovbjerg’s open-access epidemiology text
Students compared Marit Bovbjerg's open access epidemiology text to "Gordis Epidemiology," a widely known and used introduction to epidemiology textbook written by award-winning educator Leon Gordis.
Isaiah Fernandez named OSU Student Alumni Ambassador
As a Student Alumni Ambassador, he will join a select group of student leaders dedicated to strengthening connections between students and alumni through leadership, service and networking opportunities.
College announces new endowed professor of healthy aging research
Professor Rick Settersten, former interim dean of the College of Health, has been named the Jo Anne Leonard Professor of Healthy Aging Research. This endowed position, funded by gifts from Jo Anne Leonard Petersen, is bestowed upon a tenured faculty member in the college whose work is consistent with the mission and activities of the Center for Healthy Aging Research.
Ecampus kinesiology student accepted to University of Florida graduate program
Andrew is an Ecampus student, retired Marine and fitness manager based in Santa Barbara. We’re proud to see him take this next step in his academic and professional journey. Way to go, Andrew!
ASPIRE Center faculty share children’s environmental health research at D.C. meeting
Their participation highlights the College of Health’s national leadership in research translation and its ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for children and families. The ASPIRE Center exemplifies how collaborative, cross-disciplinary research can generate innovative, evidence-based solutions to protect children and promote healthy families and communities.
Brad Cardinal delivers keynote at National Academy of Kinesiology annual meeting
This prestigious keynote is presented on the opening night of the Academy’s annual meeting and honors distinguished contributions to the field.
Doctoral student awarded OSLER TL1 fellowship to advance infant health research
Nutrition doctoral student Brianne Wai's work focuses on identifying the retention and release of these components in the gastrointestinal tracts of term and preterm infants fed with either their parents' own milk or donor milk.
PAC instructors lead popular Learn By Doing events for new students
Thank you to the Physical Activity Course (PAC) program for your enthusiastic participation in Learn By Doing, part of the new student onboarding experience at OSU. From Friday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 21, PAC hosted a variety of engaging activities, including line dancing, salsa and Latin dance, pickleball, yoga and scuba.
Mariam Buqammaz selected as graduate fellow
This recognition follows her receipt of funding from the Consulate General of the State of Kuwait, Kuwait Cultural Office in Los Angeles. The fellowship will support Mariam as she finalizes her research and prepares to defend her dissertation.
Sean Newsom leads CORE Transitions Course training for faculty
A huge shout-out to Kinesiology Associate Professor Sean Newsom, who serves as the College of Health Transitions Coordinator for CORE Education. On Wednesday, Sept. 17, Sean led a training for more than 35 faculty members focused on Oregon State’s Transitions Courses, which are designed to support first-year student success.
Welcome back from PAC and FSF!
Family photo time! Physical Activity Course and Faculty Staff Fitness teams for continued the tradition of welcoming everyone back with energy and connection. Here's to another great year!
Monica Olvera shares inspiring reminder
Kudos to Senior Instructor Monica Olvera for uplifting colleagues with a simple but powerful reminder: her personal commitment to “do something today for her future self.”
Doctoral student awarded sexual and reproductive health fellowship
Congratulations to Amamah Noor, a doctoral student in public health - health policy, who was awarded the S. Marie Harvey Sexual & Reproductive Health Fellowship for the 2025–26 academic year.
Dee Gillen supports Ecampus course development
Dee is among many faculty members contributing to the creation and improvement of both on-campus and Ecampus learning experiences. Her and other's efforts help make high-quality, accessible education possible for students everywhere.
Athletic training students host successful Media Day
Nice work to the Master of Athletic Training students, whose Athletic Training Student Club organized a fantastic Media Day! The event was a great opportunity to showcase their passion for the profession and build community.
Operations team leads end-of-summer office moves
Shout-out to the College of Health Operations Team, Debi Rothermund and Fred Lay, for leading several end-of-summer office moves. Your coordination and hard work keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. We appreciate all you do!
David Rothwell co-authors article in JAMA Health Forum, featured in Oregon media
The study examines the effects of public investment on poverty and well-being in the United States.
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2025 John Bynner Distinguished Scholar Award
Distinguished Professor Rick Settersten received the prestigious 2025 John Bynner Distinguished Scholar Award from the Society for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies, honoring his significant contributions to life course research and following in the footsteps of his mentors.
HDFS doctoral students publish research on pregnancy intentions and relationship stress
HDFS doctoral students Amara Bradetich and Madeline Nichols are lead authors of a new article published in the Journal of Family Issues, co-authored with HDFS associate professor Kelly Chandler.
The findings have important implications for family planning policy, couple-focused interventions during pregnancy and postnatal home visiting programs.
Professor receives national research award for work in adapted physical activity
Congratulations to Megan MacDonald, who received the G. Lawrence Rarick Research Award in July from the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID).
Kinesiology alumnus Nikolaus Anderson accepted to DPT program at OSU-Cascades
Congratulations to Nikolaus Anderson, a 2022 kinesiology graduate, who was recently accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at OSU-Cascades.
Marie Harvey receives 2025 Discovery Award from Medical Research Foundation
Marie Harvey, associate dean for research in OSU’s College of Health, has received the 2025 Discovery Award from the Medical Research Foundation. The award honors her original contributions to health-related research in Oregon.
Kinesiology alumna Bethany Sloane receives NIH K23 career award
Congratulations to kinesiology alumna Dr. Bethany Sloane, associate professor of pediatrics. She received a prestigious NIH K23 career award, which supports patient-oriented research for early-career, clinically trained professionals.
Sean Newsom selected for AKA Leadership Institute Class of 2028
Congratulations to Sean Newsom, associate professor of kinesiology, who was selected for the American Kinesiology Association Leadership Institute Class of 2028. This prestigious program supports the development of future leaders in kinesiology through mentorship, networking and professional growth.
JJ Hannigan featured in Super Age article on footwear and injury prevention
JJ Hannigan, assistant professor in the DPT program, shared insights on injury prevention strategies and how proper shoe choice can support strength and stability as we age.
College of Health faculty represent at OSU Foundation event in Bend
College of Health faculty Andy Pitchford and Dave Dallas represented the college at the OSU Foundation's "Believe It" event in Bend.
The Oregonian profiles Sam Logan’s Honors College teaching
The Oregonian recently featured Associate Professor Sam Logan in a story highlighting his Honors College course at Oregon State University. The article explores how Sam uses themes like punk, horror and Taylor Swift to spark student engagement and deepen conversations around identity, culture and critical thinking.
Nutrition students co-lead international workshop on foraging, healing and nutrition
Their session, titled Food Foraging and Cooking Improvisations: Nourishments and Healing for Us and the Planet, integrated trauma-informed care and offered attendees hands-on experiences in foraging, culinary improvisation, and reflective storytelling. The interactive workshop aimed to deepen understanding of the connections between human and environmental health, nourishment and healing.
Siew Sun Wong honored with SNEB Mid-Career Award
Congratulations to Professor and Extension Nutrition Specialist Siew Sun Wong, who received the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Mid-Career Award on July 10, 2025. A dedicated member of the organization since 2006, Siew was recognized for her significant contributions to nutrition education through research, practice and service.
Franziska Loetzner awarded CDC-supported grant for inclusive health project
Kinesiology postdoctoral scholar Franziska Loetzner's project, SHINE (Supporting Health through Inclusive and Navigable Evaluation), aims to improve how individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities report on their health.
College of Health supports Special Olympics Summer State Games
Faculty, staff and students showed up to support the Oregon Special Olympics Summer State Games held at Oregon State University.
Perry Hystad appointed as Associate Dean of Research
Professor Perry Hystad has been appointed as the next Associate Dean of Research for the College of Health. The distinguished environmental health researcher brings over $23 million in research funding, 160+ peer-reviewed publications, and extensive leadership experience to the role.
Jenny Jackson and graduate students publish in Journal of Nutrition
The study explores how food insecurity is measured among college students and offers insights into more accurate, population-specific tools.
Research
Publications
Check out the recent publications from researchers across the college over the summer. See if you can guess the researcher(s) based solely on publication titles:
Can we measure something in a blood test that helps us understand, diagnose, or predict pain in people with sickle cell disease?
Does UV-C treatment preserve vital nutrients in donor breast milk better than pasteurization, potentially improving outcomes for premature infants?
When someone dies outside of a hospital or medical facility, what determines whether death investigators actually go to the scene in person - and are they doing it fairly and consistently?
Do truck stops provide what long-haul truck drivers need to stay healthy, and how do the available services affect their well-being?
When you drink milk, do any of the proteins from the milk actually make it into your bloodstream intact (or partially intact), and if so, which ones?
How do extreme weather events like floods and droughts affect the physical health of refugee youth living in Uganda?
How can hospitals, doctors, nurses, and doulas work better together to support women during childbirth?
Does playing sports actually help teenage girls with their mental health, and if so, what makes the difference between sports being helpful versus harmful?
Does making it easier for low-income families to get cash assistance help mothers breastfeed their babies more?
Does living near green spaces (like parks, trees, and vegetation) make people more physically active?
Do stricter state alcohol laws actually help reduce binge drinking among college students, and if so, does it work the same way for all types of students?
Does whether a pregnancy was planned or unplanned affect how much relationship stress and conflict a couple experiences during pregnancy, and does this vary based on the family's income level?
How loud is it in different neighborhoods across Portland, and who is being hurt the most by noise pollution?
This research explores how rural communities in Botswana perceive gender-based violence and what support is available to address it.
How do laws that restrict abortion in Sub-Saharan African countries affect whether women choose to use modern birth control methods?
How can we make sure all scientists studying children's shoes are measuring and reporting the same things, so we can actually figure out what makes a good shoe for kids?
Does socioeconomic status affect children's exposure to flame retardant chemicals and do these exposures impact cognitive development during the critical preschool years?
How do the specific types of green spaces we see around us at any given moment, as we go about our daily lives, actually influence how much physical activity we do?
How can we measure what makes neighborhoods look and feel good to people across the entire United States?
Can we turn acid whey (a dairy waste product) into a useful fat substitute for low-fat cream cheese that makes it taste and feel more like the full-fat version?
Can the standard survey used to measure food insecurity in adults be changed and improved to accurately measure food insecurity specifically among college students?
Does Oregon's special Medicaid program, called Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs), help low-income individuals avoid unnecessary emergency room (ED) visits and hospital stays, and do these benefits change depending on whether people live in urban or rural areas?
Do super-cushioned running shoes (called 'maximal shoes') actually make a difference compared to regular running shoes?
Research seminars
Seminars are back for fall term. Fridays in Hallie E. Ford Center 115 and Zoom
New time!
Noon-1 p.m.
October 17
Grand Challenges Impact Lab: Lessons Learned from Global Problem-Solving
Presented by Professor Julian Marshal, director of the Grand Challenges Impact Lab at the University of Washington.
Watch via Zoom.
November 7
Advancing Health Impact Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Pathways for Faculty and Students
Presented by Molly Arnowil, OSU senior impact catalyst manager.
Watch via Zoom.
November 14
What AI Can Do for Your Research Productivity: Practical Tools and Applications
Presented by COH Associate Dean for Research Perry Hystad and Andrew Larkin, assistant research professor.
Watch via Zoom.
November 21
Community-Centered Strategies for Addressing Cancer Disparities in Oregon
Presented by a panel including the Pink Lemonade Project, a community volunteer, and Jessica Currier from the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.
Watch via Zoom.
Events
Mark your calendars!
Oct. 14 College of Health OPHA Social
Public health alumni, students and faculty are invited to join the College of Health community for the college’s OPHA Social from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Backwoods Brewing – Hillsboro Pub. Enjoy good company, hors d’oeuvres and a beverage after the first day of the OPHA Conference.
This free event also welcomes local public health alumni not attending the conference. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot early. Event details and registration.
Oct. 30 Breast Cancer Webcast
Join Veronica Irvin, associate professor and the Celia Strickland Austin and G. Kenneth Austin III Endowed Professor in Public Health; Jessica Gorman, associate professor of public health; Ann Berryman, chief strategy officer of the Pink Lemonade Project; and Anne Webb, regional service line director of oncology at Samaritan Health Services. They will discuss the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection, the long-term reality of survivorship and the latest research from OSU faculty. Register for this free “Our Health&” webcast.
Bonus!
ASPIRE Children's Environmental Health Center
September 2025
- September is National Preparedness Month
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National Cleanup Day: September 20th
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Eco-Friendly Back to School Tips
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Safe Cleaning for Early Learning & Childcare Settings
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Children's Environmental Health Day
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What are we looking forward to?
August 2025
- August is Water Quality Month
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Pilot Project Spotlight: Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP)
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Choosing the Right Sunscreen
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Be Screen Wise: Don't Let More Free Time Mean More Screen Time
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Save the Date: Back to School Night: Raising Resilient Kids in an Age of Disasters
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What are we looking forward to?
July 2025
- Plastic Free July
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Summer is Sweet but Watch Out for the Heat
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Pilot Project Spotlight: Air Quality Monitoring and Outreach: K-12 Schools
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Student Spotlight: A Day with Senator Lisa Reynolds, MD
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Postdoctoral Scholar Spotlight: Stephanie Foster, PhD
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Save the Date: Back to School Night: Raising Resilient Kids in an Age of Disasters
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What are we looking forward to?
