IU School of Public Health environmental health expert to serve on EPA committee

James E. Klaunig, professor of environmental health at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, has been appointed to serve on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board's Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee through Sept. 30, 2015. The newly formed committee provides advice and input regarding toxicological reviews of environmental chemicals in the EPA's Integrated Risk Information System.

"Dr. Klaunig's research and expertise are an incredible asset to the school and to Indiana University," said Mohammad Torabi, founding dean and chancellor's professor at the School of Public Health-Bloomington. "His scientific and technical expertise, experience and innovation will play a critical role in the success of the EPA's approach to environmental protection."

Indiana Prevention Resource Center Celebrates 25 Years: Receives Ninth Annual Sharon Brehm Award for Outstanding Service and School of Public Health Ingenuity Grant

The Indiana Prevention Resource Center at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington received the ninth annual Sharon Brehm award on Thursday April 18 at the Indiana Memorial Union’s University Club for their work in preventing underage drinking on Indiana University campuses. The Brehm award is an annual award given to an individual or a program that exemplifies best efforts to reduce underage and dangerous drinking on campus and in the community. 

David K. Lohrmann appointed chair of the Department of Applied Health Science

Dr. David Lohrmann

Distinguished health and wellness researcher and faculty member David K. Lohrmann has been appointed chair of the Department of Applied Health Science in the School of Public Health-Bloomington. His appointment was effective March 1.

A fellow and former president of the American School Health Association as well as a fellow of the American Association for Health Education, Dr. Lohrmann’s research focuses on the systems and strategies school districts use to address contemporary child and adolescent health problems. His research interests also include alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention, and obesity prevention.

“Applied health science is a vital component of the academic programs in the new school,” he noted. With a focus on health promotion, individual and population health-related behavior changes, as well as on the prevention of chronic and communicable illnesses, injuries, and accidents, the programs within the department aim to address the most pressing health issues of today.

Higher mercury levels in humans associated with increased risk for diabetes

Dr. Ka He

A new study found that higher levels of mercury exposure in young adults increased their risks for type 2 diabetes later in life by 65 percent. The study, led by Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington epidemiologist Ka He, is the first to establish the link between mercury and diabetes in humans.

The study paints a complicated nutritional picture because the main source of mercury in humans comes from the consumption of fish and shellfish, nearly all of which contain traces of mercury. Fish and shellfish also contain lean protein and other nutrients, such as magnesium and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, that make them important to a healthy diet.

Rasul Mowatt receives Faculty Award by the Commission on Multicultural Understanding

Dr. Rasul Mowatt

Rasul Mowatt, a professor in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies in the Indiana University School of Public Health received the Faculty Award  by the Commission on Multicultural Understanding (COMU). The award was presented as part of the COMU 25th annual awards ceremony on April 1, 2013. 

The purpose of the COMU awards is to honor students, faculty, staff, and community members who actively support, participate in, or encourage the exploration of cultural diversity at Indiana University and in the Bloomington community.