Research Impact
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT
The Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University is advancing research that shapes healthier communities and informs policies in Washington, DC, and around the world. From more healthy babies and mothers to decreasing pollution in vulnerable communities, from research highlighting how lifestyle changes impact diabetes to how policy impacts the way we access healthcare, our faculty and students are producing work that leads to real-world impact. Through close collaboration with government agencies, nonprofits, and community partners, we turn evidence into action that makes a healthier world.
Developing a Vaccine for Malaria
Dr. Nirbhay Kumar is leading the fight to develop a vaccine for malaria, which causes more than a quarter billion infections and over 600,000 deaths a year. This directly impacts many countries around the world, but also US tourists, military and diplomats. Changing weather patterns have even contributed to a few reported malaria cases in the US. Learn how innovative vaccine technology is particularly effective for this complex disease.
Lifestyle Changes and Metformin Cut Diabetes Risk over 21 Years
GW Research shows lifestyle changes are key to reducing chronic disease - A major collaborative research study coordinated by GW’s Biostatistics Center found lifestyle interventions reduced the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by more than half over 3 years, and a follow-up study 20 years later found the diabetes risk reduction was sustained. See how.
Advancing Health and Opportunity for Adolescent Girls and Women
Department of Prevention and Community Health
There is one moment in a girl's life that is catalytic: adolescence. It's a moment where the doors can open to opportunity, or it's a moment where life can become incredibly dangerous, where there are barriers to her being healthy, flourishing and participating in the workforce. If we can change the way people value girls, we can have a ripple effect that changes their trajectory across their lifespan - see how.
Certain Nasal Bacteria May Boost the Risk for COVID-19 Infection
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
This study reveals that the bacteria in our noses may help determine who gets COVID-19 by affecting how easily the virus enters our cells, showing that promoting protective nasal bacteria could be an important way to prevent infection. Researcher Cindy Liu is exploring how our natural nasal bacteria could help stop viruses before they make us sick.
Policies Targeting Road Transport Emissions Could Save 1.9 Million Lives Globally by 2040
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
New research shows that smart global policies to cut vehicle pollution could save 1.9 million lives and prevent 1.4 million childhood asthma cases by 2040. That’s 310 people kept alive and 230 kids spared asthma—every single day for the next 15 years—just by cleaning up our air. Professor Susan Anenberg is showing how bold action on air pollution can save lives around the world. See what’s possible.
Continuous Eligibility for Adults in Medicaid Linked to Higher Access to Mental Health Care
Department of Health Policy and Management
A new study shows that Medicaid's continuous eligibility policy during the COVID-19 emergency significantly improved access to mental health care—especially for Black and Latino adults. Yet many people with serious mental health needs still go without care, even when insured. Professor Leighton Ku and Health Policy PhD student Kristine Namhee Kwon are uncovering how smarter Medicaid policies can help close critical gaps in mental health access. See what the data reveals.
How Front-of-Package Labels Affect Parents' Perceptions of Foods for Their children
Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
New research led by Allison Sylvetsky from the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health shows front-of-package labels can help parents make healthier choices for their children. In a large randomized study, labels for both added sugars and non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) led parents to select unsweetened foods and drinks more often and view them as the healthiest options. Learn more.
Study Reveals Rising Interest in Permanent Contraception After Roe v. Wade Was Overturned
Department of Health Policy and Management
After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, young adults in the U.S. sharply increased their use of permanent contraception—driven by fear and uncertainty about their reproductive rights. The biggest spikes were in states likely to ban abortion, showing how policy changes can profoundly shape personal health decisions. Assistant Research Professor Julia Strasser is examining how shifting laws are reshaping reproductive choices across the country. Explore what her research reveals.
2025 Maternal Mental Health State Report Cards
Department of Health Policy and Management
One in five mothers in the U.S. experiences a maternal mental health condition each year—yet the majority never receive treatment, with lasting consequences for families, children, and communities. A new report shows modest national progress, but 19 states still earned D or F grades. Researcher Caitlin Murphy contributed to the report, which offers policymakers a clear roadmap for improving care and outcomes for mothers and families nationwide. Explore the 2025 State Report Cards.
DC Clinical Trials Unit is leading research in HIV for the DC Region
The NIH-funded DC Clinical Trials Unit, led by Dr. Manya Magnus at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, Dr. Marc Siegel at the MFA/GW School of Medicine, and Dr. Sarah Henn at Whitman-Walker Health, conducts cutting-edge HIV prevention, treatment, and cure research. DC CTU clinical trials focus on Washington, DC, an area hard-hit by the HIV epidemic. Through a partnership between GW and Whitman-Walker, the DC CTU seeks to drive progress toward ending the HIV epidemic in DC and beyond.
How the FUN Integration Theory Can Drive Youth Sport Participation
Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
This seminal study by Dr. Amanda Visek and colleagues introduced the first evidence-based "Fun Integration Theory," identifying 81 fun-determinants across 11 dimensions that drive youth sport participation. Its “FUN MAPS” help coaches, parents, and leagues foster fun, reduce attrition, and promote lifelong engagement. Recognizing its impact, the Beyond the Club Podcast and USA Today have spotlighted the findings again and again, making them accessible to sports organizations, administrators, coaches, and parents.
GWSPH Research Day
Every year students across the Milken Institute School of Public Health showcase their research on our annual Research Day. In 2025, we had the largest number of submissions ever - with over 75 Award Categories. Spanning research from well water to AI diagnosis, from food systems to autism, undergrads, Masters candidates and Doctoral students led the way on innovative research design, literature reviews and real world impact. See the full list of projects.
Federal Medicaid and SNAP Cuts Could Result in One Million Jobs Lost and State GDPs Falling by More than $110 Billion in 2026
Department of Health Policy and Management
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund and GW researchers warns that deep federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP could devastate state economies, costing over 1 million jobs and shrinking GDP by $113 billion in 2026 alone. Led by Professor Leighton Ku, the analysis shows how these essential programs support not just health and nutrition, but economic stability in every corner of the country. See what’s at stake in every state.
Exploring the Belief that Modern Contraceptive Use Causes Infertility
Why do many women in rural Kenya avoid modern birth control, even when they want to plan their families? Our Global Health team found that fears of infertility—fueled by myths, personal stories, and cultural norms—drive hesitation. Understanding these beliefs is the first step toward programs that address community concerns. Learn more.
The Power of Research and Innovation
Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences | Department of Global Health
Research can help us identify gaps, like who can access prenatal vitamins, and maternal nutrition. Dr. Smith is increasing access to these important nutrients around the world - see where.