College of Public Health
New Investigator Research Award
The College of Public Health-Carver College of Medicine New Investigator Research Award is a pilot award program open to newly-appointed faculty in the College of Public Health (CPH). This award is intended to assist newly-appointed faculty in advancing their College of Public Health-Carver College of Medicine research careers.
2012 Award Recipients Announced
The award recipients' proposed research projects were chosen on the basis of scientific merit; relevance to the College of Public Health mission, strategic plan and goals; and probability of attracting subsequent extramural research funding.
Following are descriptions of each of the winning research proposals:
Padmaja Ayyagari
“Heterogeneity in the Impact of Tobacco Policies Across Racial and Ethnic Groups”
Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the U.S. with an estimated 400,000 annual deaths attributed to smoking. Ayyagari’s research will study heterogeneity in the impact of policy instruments, such as excise tax on tobacco and smoking bans, on tobacco use. Specifically, the project will examine whether these policies have differential effects on the smoking behavior of individuals belonging to different racial and/or ethnic groups.
Kathleen Tharp
“Validation of a Mediterranean Diet Screener in Pregnancy”
The Mediterranean-style eating pattern is plant-based and characterized by high consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and fish. There are many health advantages gained through consumption of a Mediterranean diet and a relatively low risk of harm. Tharp’s research will tailor a tool for collecting Mediterranean-like diet details in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. The long-term goal is to use the tool to study the Mediterranean diet benefits that might extend to pregnancy conditions and health of the offspring.
Additional Information
More information
Questions about the New Investigator Awards may be sent by email to dana-lange@uiowa.edu or directed to:
Ms. Dana Lange
Administrative Services Specialist
Office of the Associate Dean for Research
College of Public Health
The University of Iowa
S142 CPHB
Iowa City, IA 52242