Health disparities, or preventable differences in the burden of disease and opportunities to achieve optimal health, adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater social or economic challenges. The Department of Health Behavior and Policy is dedicated to promoting health equity, which aims to reduce disparities and its determinants.

Our research focuses on identifying behavioral, social, organizational and policy factors affecting the heath of individuals and populations, as well as developing and evaluating programs and policies aimed at promoting health and reducing health disparities. To conduct this work towards improving health disparities through a health equity approach, we utilize rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods and engage with diverse communities.

Ongoing Projects

Kellie E. Carlyle, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Kellie E. Carlyle, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Professor

Kellie E. Carlyle, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Kellie E. Carlyle, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: kellie.carlyle@vcuhealth.org

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Dina T. Garcia, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Dina T. Garcia, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Professor

Dina T. Garcia, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Dina T. Garcia, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: dina.garcia@vcuhealth.org

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Anika L. Hines, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Anika L. Hines, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Professor

Anika L. Hines, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Anika L. Hines, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: anika.hines@vcuhealth.org

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April D. Kimmel, Ph.D.

April D. Kimmel, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

April D. Kimmel, Ph.D.

April D. Kimmel, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: april.kimmel@vcuhealth.org

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Maghboobah Mosavel, Ph.D., M.A.

Maghboobah Mosavel, Ph.D., M.A.

Associate Professor

Maghboobah Mosavel, Ph.D., M.A.

Maghboobah Mosavel, Ph.D., M.A.

Associate Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: maghboeba.mosavel@vcuhealth.org

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Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Professor

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: vanessa.sheppard@vcuhealth.org

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Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D.

Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D.

Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: abrahamal@vcu.edu

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Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.

Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.

Assistant Professor

Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.

Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.

Assistant Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: katherine.tossas@vcuhealth.org

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Maria D. Thomson, Ph.D., M.Sc.

Maria D. Thomson, Ph.D., M.Sc.

Associate Professor

Maria D. Thomson, Ph.D., M.Sc.

Maria D. Thomson, Ph.D., M.Sc.

Associate Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: maria.thomson@vcuhealth.org

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Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D., M.S.

Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D., M.S.

Associate Professor

Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D., M.S.

Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D., M.S.

Associate Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: jessca.larose@vcuhealth.org

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