School of Public Health

West Virginia University has released the December 2018 and May 2019 Commencement schedules.

What do one in five breast cancers have in common? Large amounts of a protein called HER2 (or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). “Every healthy cell produces a normal amount of HER2, but HER2 is produced 10 to 20 times more in a cancer cell,” said Yehenew Agazie, an associate professor of biochemistry at the West Virginia University School of Medicine.

Through a new Scholar in Residence program at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Douglas Myers, an associate professor in the WVU School of Public Health, will serve as a primary liaison between the School and several local, regional and state partners. As a “guest researcher” with NIOSH, Myers will coordinate opportunities for faculty, students and researchers to collaborate and share ideas.

Building and operating a hydraulic fracturing well site can emit airborne particles in multiple ways. But scientists still don’t fully understand how these particles impact human health.

To help combat the region’s ongoing health issues, the West Virginia University School of Public Health is developing a new residency program focused on public health, the first of its kind in Appalachia.

A new effort at West Virginia University will support the state’s campaign to address the opioid crisis.

This class of more than 4,450 is likely a generation prepared for enacting “vital change,” having earned a University record 10 Fulbright Scholarships, two Boren Scholarships, an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and a Truman Scholarship. Eight students were named to the Order of Augusta, WVU’s most prestigious student honor.

Renowned West Virginia novelist Ann Pancake leads the list of honorary degree recipients when West Virginia University sends more than 4,450 graduates into the world the weekend of May 11-13 as commencement ceremonies take place in three venues for 13 colleges and schools. Of those graduates, 3,009 have earned their undergraduate degrees or certificates, 1,110 their master’s degrees and 360 have earned their doctorates.

This year, the WVU School of Public Health will celebrate National Public Health Week, April 2-7, with a series of events focused on student and community engagement. The School will kick off its celebration in partnership with the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health’s This Is Public Health Roadshow.

Lesley Cottrell, director of the Center for Excellence in Disabilities in the Health Sciences Center at West Virginia University, has been named the recipient of the 2017-2018 James and Karen Caveney Alumni Association Faculty Excellence Award.