Fall 2010 Newsletter

Edith Parker appointed Head of Community and Behavioral Health at UI

Edith Parker, Dr.P.H., has been named professor and head of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health in the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Parker came to UI from the University of Michigan (UM), School of Public Health, where she was an associate professor of health behavior and health education. She also served UM as associate dean for academic affairs.   "Dr. Parker brings an outstanding mix of academic and administrative skills to lead a vital and growing department in our college," said Sue Curry, Ph.D., dean of the UI College of Public Health. "We are excited by her vision and commitment to meaningful training, research and engagement with communities in Iowa."

Parker succeeded Linda Snetselaar, Ph.D., who stepped down after serving as interim department head since 2007. Snetselaar has continued at UI as a professor of epidemiology.  "I want to thank Dr. Linda Snetselaar for providing outstanding interim leadership for the department while maintaining a vibrant research program, teaching several courses and remaining active in national service," Curry said. 

Parker's research focuses on the development, implementation and evaluation of community-based participatory interventions to improve health status and reduce health disparities. Her research portfolio includes studies focused on women's and children's health, childhood asthma, environmental justice, and environmental risk communication.  "I am extremely excited about joining the Department of Community and Behavioral Health and the College of Public Health," Parker said. "I have been very impressed with the faculty in the department and in the overall college. I look forward to building on these assets and the strong reputation of The University of Iowa as the college enters its second decade." 

Parker received a master of public health degree and a doctoral degree in public health from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health.  She has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and numerous book chapters. She has directed or co-directed studies funded by health agencies such as the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities. 

This story was published earlier and is credited to the UI College of Public Health Office of Communications and External Relations.