The Disease IMPACT Lab is part of Ohio University’s Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Institute (ITDI) and the School of Communication Studies in the Scripps College of Communication.
We are dedicated to advancing public health through strategic communication.
We work in medically under-served areas. The two main contexts of our works are diseases in Appalachian Ohio and in Ecuador.
The lab conducts research on how information and messaging can influence public attitudes and behaviors toward disease prevention. Our work is action-oriented, translating scientific knowledge into effective communication strategies to combat misinformation and promote healthy practices. By exploring the complex interplay of human behavior, communication channels, and disease transmission, the lab aims to create sustainable solutions that build community trust, improve health outcomes, and minimize the impact of infectious diseases on populations.