February 7, 2024
Event to explore data ecosystem for public health emergency preparedness, response
The University of Washington Population Health Initiative and the new UW Center for Disaster Resilient Communities are hosting a lunch-and-learn event regarding development of a regional data ecosystem model for public health emergency preparedness and response on Monday, February 26, 2024 from 12 – 1 p.m. Pacific in the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health,…
January 31, 2024
New UW research finds that menthol cigarette taxes more effective than statewide bans
The popularity of menthol-flavored cigarettes is increasing, with menthol-flavored cigarettes now accounting for more than a third of cigarettes sold in the U.S. despite numerous city, county and state bans. Now, new research from the University of Washington discovered that a menthol tax is a more effective measure than dispersed statewide bans. The project uncovered…
January 25, 2024
Spring course to focus on efforts to realize the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Population Health Initiative and the Office of Global Affairs are partnering again to offer a one-credit General Studies course, “United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Global Goals, Local Actions” (GEN ST 297A), on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. during spring quarter 2024 in Condon Hall 139. This one-credit (graded as credit/no-credit) course will introduce…
January 23, 2024
Untangling abortion misinformation and its impacts on healthcare providers
On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion with the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision. With federal protections gone, states became free to determine whether to restrict or protect abortion access, which has led to a number of new laws and regulations. At the same…
January 17, 2024
UW researchers create biodegradable plastics from cyanobacteria
A team of researchers at the University of Washington has developed new bioplastics made exclusively out of powdered spirulina, a blue-green cyanobacteria. Unlike the majority of current bio-based plastics, which only decompose in commercial composting facilities, the spirulina-based material breaks down easily and can be composted in backyard bins. The new bioplastics share the same…
January 10, 2024
Powering electric vehicles while finding a win-win scenario for all
A team of students in the Master of Science in Business Analytics Program at the University of Washington Foster School of Business recently partnered with General Motors to conduct research surrounding energy demands and electric vehicles (EVs). Their project used telemetry data from California to determine EV charging patterns. This data was then used to…
January 3, 2024
Spring 2023 Tier 1 pilot awardees report project progress on funded projects
The University of Washington Population Health Initiative awarded nine Tier 1 pilot grants in spring 2023 to interdisciplinary teams completing exploratory research in areas ranging from disaster planning to mental health to workforce development. These teams represented 10 of the UW’s schools and colleges. Each project has now reached its respective midpoint and are reporting…
December 18, 2023
Buerk Center, Initiative co-host third annual Sacia Digital Health Innovation Workshop
The University of Washington Foster School of Business’ Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship partnered with the Population Health Initiative to offer students an immersive and hands-on opportunity to workshop new solutions in the growing and dynamic field of digital health. Twenty-six undergraduate, graduate and PhD students from a variety of disciplines and programs came together on…
December 12, 2023
Faculty panel offers interdisciplinary perspectives on global careers in health
The Population Health Initiative, School of Public Health, and Department of Global Health hosted a panel of faculty members on November 2, 2023 who discussed their unique paths to a global career in health. Throughout the event, panel members Sarah Iribarren, Ferdinand Mukumbang, Sarah Masyuko and Coco Alarcon shared their career journey and offered advice…
December 5, 2023
A collaborative approach to assessing extreme heat health risks in youth BIPOC communities
Washington State is experiencing an increasing number of extreme heat events due to climate change. The 2021 Pacific Northwest “heat dome,” for example, resulted in 441 deaths and became the deadliest weather-related disaster in Washington’s history. Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities are at an increased risk for extreme heat exposure due to…