Research Labs
Health Behavior and Tobacco Research Lab
Research projects in this lab include examination of health behaviors with an emphasis on substance use behaviors. Many of the projects in the HBTRL focus specifically on examination of tobacco use behaviors including emerging and alternative tobacco use behaviors such as electronic cigarette use/vaping and hookah/waterpipe tobacco smoking. Research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students are available. The purpose of this lab is to conduct research that will inform prevention and policy efforts that can improve community health. To learn more about the HBTRL click here.
Faculty Associated with the Lab. – Dr. Eric Soule (Director)
Occupational Health/Industrial Hygiene Research Lab – Belk 3301
Research projects conducted in this lab include activated carbon fiber research for respiratory protection application and quantification of pesticides by gas chromatography. This lab provides laboratory research opportunities for undergraduate and/or graduate students in majors related to science and engineering (e.g., environmental health, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering).
Faculty Associated with the Lab. – Dr. Jo Anne Balanay
Water/Wastewater Research Lab – Belk 3302, 3501, 3502
Research activities conducted in this lab include analysis of water samples for fecal indicator bacteria concentrations, calibration of field meters for pH, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and turbidity. Storage and maintenance of environmental research equipment and supplies. Student research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate water and wastewater related research are available for motivated, mature students. Many of the externally-funded research projects involve an outreach and education component, and local partner participation.
Faculty Associated with the Lab. – Dr. Charlie Humphrey
Vector-Borne Disease and Insecticide Research Labs – Belk 3304/3305/3305A/3306
Biological Safety Level- [BSL] 2 Lab for arbovirus work, molecular biology lab for qRTPCR, insectary for rearing mosquito colonies, insecticide resistance testing/field mosquito control operations lab. Student research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student research are available. Community outreach and services for many of our research projects involve interaction with the public and various agencies (e.g., public/private mosquito control programs, public/environmental health programs, public works, etc.) in local communities.
Faculty Associated with the Lab. – Dr. Stephanie Richards
Public Health Genomics Lab – Belk 2601
Educational intervention regarding autism genetic testing among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); Family health history promotion among underserved population; Cancer prevention among young adults. Students who are interested in the field of translating genetics/genomics knowledge and practices to patients and their families affected by genetic conditions (particularly ASD and different types of cancer) are welcome to volunteer in this lab. Our lab has been attending a variety of local autism community events for children with ASD, such as Autism Awareness Walk/Run, Pitt County School District Autism Education Fair and diverse social events organized by Autism Society of North Carolina.
Faculty associated with the lab – Dr. Lei Xu (Director), Dr. Alice Richman, and Dr. Linda Mitchell
Rural Health Disparities Lab – Belk 2602
We are an interdisciplinary public health research laboratory housed in ECU’s College of Health & Human Performance. Our RDHL faculty, staff, and students collaborate with community members and organizations on research projects and evidence-based programs that address health disparities in eastern North Carolina. We work hand-in-hand with the community to create sustainable change. Our research projects focus on understanding cross cutting issues, such as social determinants of health and health disparities, across the cancer control continuum among populations in need. To learn more about the Rural Health Disparities Lab click here.
Faculty Lab Director – Dr. Alice Richman
North Carolina School Health Training Center
The North Carolina School Health Training Center is committed to strengthening the quality of Health Education within a coordinated school health program. The Center provides programs throughout the state for teachers, nurses, counselors, administrators, and public health educators to reduce health-risk behaviors in children and adolescents. To learn more about The North Carolina School Health Training Center click here.
Faculty associated with the center -Dr. Michele Wallen and Jamie Williams