Mission, Vision and Research Emphases

Our Mission

Apply social and behavioral approaches to improving physical and mental health across the lifespan.

Our Vision

Healthy people in thriving communities.

We achieve our mission and vision through community-engaged approaches to research, education and service to impact population health in West Virginia and Appalachia with the following stakeholders:

1. Policymakers;
2. Schools;
3. Healthcare systems;
4. State and local health departments;
5. Community-based organizations; and
6. Worksites.

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences specializes in intervention planning, implementation, evaluation, dissemination research and collaborations. Our faculty primarily conduct research and service in the areas of:

1. Tobacco and other substance use and misuse; 
2. Chronic disease prevention and management;
3. Maternal and child health; and
4. Adolescent health.

Faculty and his/her respective research/service area, indicated by corresponding number from the list immediately above: 

• Christiaan Abildso (2)
• Adam Baus (1, 2) 
• Elizabeth Claydon (2, 3)
• Lesley Cottrell (3) 
• Danielle Davidov (3) 
• Geri Dino (1, 2, 4)
• Alfgeir Kristjansson (1, 4)
• Ranjita Misra (1, 2) 
• Nancy O’Hara Tompkins (2, 3) 
• Keith Zullig (1, 4)