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.

“Prevention of health problems is vitally important in Indiana, the U.S. and countries across the globe. Our department's mission is futuristic in responding to this growing need.” He remarked. “I look forward to working with department faculty and staff to assure that the School of Public Health-Bloomington becomes fully accredited and to support them as they develop innovative approaches to global health promotion and disease prevention for all ages, from small children through to senior citizens.”

                                   

The Department of Applied Health Science has a long-standing commitment to scholarly inquiry in an array of areas emphasizing disease prevention and promotion of health. Research in the department addresses both basic and applied work in program planning and development, evaluation of program effectiveness, examination of lifestyle and health behavior in relation to nutrition, stress, alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse, individual development and family health, communicable disease, sexual health, and related areas.

“Dr. Lohrmann’s appointment continues our forward momentum in the School of Public Health-Bloomington to expand our Research teaching, and community engagement in this critical area. His strong credentials, administrative experience, and leadership quality will be a great contribution to our continuing evolution as a first-rate school of public health,” remarked Mohammad Torabi, dean and chancellor's professor at the School of Public Health-Bloomington. “I couldn’t be more excited to have him on board.”

Lohrmann received the 2009 William A. Howe Award from the American School Health Association for professional service and, in 2011, was recognized for career scholarly achievements with the Scholar Award of the American Association for Health Education. Previously, he received Distinguished Service and Outstanding Research Awards from the American School Health Association and a Career Achievement Award from the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology. He has twice received the Indiana University Trustee’s Teaching Awards as well as the School’s Outstanding Teaching Award. He holds a PhD in health education from the University of Michigan.