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 and Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Population Health

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

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

Professor and Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Population Health

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: kecarlyle@vcu.edu

View Faculty Expertise Profile

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: dgarcia4@vcu.edu

View Faculty Expertise Profile

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: alhines@vcu.edu

View Faculty Expertise Profile

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: adkimmel@vcu.edu

View Faculty Expertise Profile

Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., M.A.

Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., M.A.

Professor

Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., M.A.

Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., M.A.

Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: mmosavel@vcu.edu

View Faculty Expertise Profile

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Dean of School of Population Health

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Dean of School of Population Health

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: vlbsheppard@vcu.edu

View Faculty Expertise Profile

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: tossask@vcu.edu

View Faculty Expertise Profile

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: mthomson2@vcu.edu

View Faculty Expertise Profile

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

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

Interim Chair and Professor

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

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

Interim Chair and Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: jlarose@vcu.edu

View Faculty Expertise Profile