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Research Office
College of Health Research Office
Advancing science, making discoveries and engaging communities to promote lifelong health and well-being
Through our research, we contribute to a holistic understanding of the health of individuals and populations, foster innovation and create feasible approaches to address complex health challenges.
Outstanding research faculty and students work collaboratively to study individuals across the life course, examine the impact of social determinants on health, address health equity and disparities, conduct basic and applied research, and translate public health programs to real world settings.
We offer seminars and colloquia to share new research and ignite collaborations, and support four college research centers to foster transdisciplinary research, engage students and translate research to practice.
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Cultivating interdisciplinary research
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Research opportunities for students
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COH Office of Research
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Research contact
Perry Hystad, PhD
Associate Dean for Research
Contact info and profile page
Signature research areas
In the new strategic plan for 2025 -2030, Health and Well-Being for All, faculty in the College of Health (COH) established three Signature Research Areas. These areas leverage faculty expertise; align with the university’s strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared; and build opportunities for distinction.
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Environmental Impacts on Human Health
Our researchers address environmental health disparities, climate change impacts, and pollution effects on communities, with a focus on developing evidence-informed solutions.
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Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Our researchers are addressing major health challenges through prevention strategies, policy development, and interventions that improve quality of life across diverse populations.
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Health and Well-being of Children and Youth
Our researchers study how social policies, families, and communities impact child development and youth health outcomes, with focus on equity, disability access, and risk prevention.
Research stories and news
OSU's Center for Healthy Aging Research connects 40+ faculty across eight colleges to advance interdisciplinary science — from lab bench to clinical practice — helping people age healthier at every stage of life.
Mammograms save lives — but they don't catch everything. OSU College of Health researcher Veronica Irvin and Samaritan Health Services studied interval breast cancers to find out why self-exams still play a critical role in early detection.
Moving beyond traditional top-down mentorship, College of Health faculty have developed a novel approach that centers relationship-building and mutual learning between students and educators.
Associate Professor Cynthia Mojica published research identifying communication and system barriers that affect follow-up colonoscopy care for low-resource patients.
PhD candidate Feyisayo Olufemi earned second place and the people’s choice award at OSU’s 2026 Three Minute Thesis competition.
Tao Li's study on ACL injury prevention ROI is featured in a special Journal of Athletic Training issue, showing prevention programs save $7 for every $1 invested while reducing injuries by 50%.