Research Impact

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health

This first-of-its-kind national study shows that America's growing warehousing industry, which fuels exploding online shopping consumer habits, is making air pollution worse for nearby communities—especially communities of color—putting them at greater risk for asthma and other serious health problems. Learn how a team of researchers led by Gaige Kerr is using satellite data to reveal the hidden cost of e-commerce on public health. 

Antibiotic Resistance Action Center

A new study led by Lance B. Price estimates that nearly one in five urinary tract infections in Southern California may be caused by E. coli transmitted through contaminated meat. The findings reveal a largely overlooked foodborne pathway for one of the most common infections worldwide. This research also revealed that people living in low-income neighborhoods face the highest risk, with women and older adults especially affected. UTIs are not just a personal health issue, but a food safety and health equity concern; understanding these risks is the first step in addressing them. Read more at GW Today.

Department of Global Health

How did El Salvador strengthen primary care when so many efforts failed? This study by our Global Health researchers, led by Wolfgang Munar, found success came from peer learning and frontline connections—not just incentives. Read the case study.

Department of Health Policy and Management

A new report from GW and The Commonwealth Fund warns that letting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expire could have serious economic consequences. The analysis, Expiring ACA Premium Tax Credits Could Lead to Nearly 340,000 Jobs Lost Across the U.S. in 2026, finds that state economies could shrink by $40.7 billion, jobs would be lost, and state and local tax revenues would decline by $2.5 billion. “Not only will health insurance costs soar for millions if the tax credits are not sustained, there will be severe economic consequences and more than 300,000 Americans could lose their jobs,” said lead author Leighton Ku. The report highlights the urgent need for policymakers to act to protect both health coverage and the economy. Read more.

Department of Global Health

Research by the Diet Disparities Lab and colleagues, under the direction of Associate Professor Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, brought together voices from multiple sectors in Puerto Rico to map the underlying drivers of nutrition security and their interconnections. The systems map show how participating stakeholders think that climate, governance, local farming, and food culture have interacted to shape access to and demand for nutritious food in the archipelago. Stakeholders who participated in the study also highlighted key levers in the system to strengthen nutrition security and resilience in the face of extreme weather events. Learn more about the Puerto Rican food paradox.

Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health

A new report from the George Washington University’s Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health, warns of a looming crisis among the nation’s community health centers - the backbone of the primary care safety net. Community health centers serve one in ten Americans, across rural areas and underserved urban neighborhoods. These nonprofits not only deliver high-quality primary care but save the federal government money by reducing ER visits and hospitalizations. Critical federal grant funding for CHCs expires soon but renewal is stalled in Congress, putting many centers at risk of closures or service reductions as early as this month. Read more.

Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law and Society

AI chatbots are increasingly being used to help people quit smoking, but new research shows their advice can be hit-or-miss. While many responses followed public health guidelines, some responses included misinformation, revealing gaps that could put users at risk. Professors Lorien Abroms and David Broniatowski are leading efforts to make AI tools more accurate and trustworthy for those trying to quit. See what they found.

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health

Millions of U.S. workers suffer preventable injuries on the job each year. Newly available OSHA data sets could help employers, workers, and researchers spot patterns and stop injuries before they happen—if we use them. Professor David Michaels is making the case for using public injury data to make workplaces safer. Learn how better data can lead to fewer injuries.

Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

This research focuses on addressing significant gaps in research and implementation surrounding evaluation of sarcopenic obesity through the development of more accessible strategies for early screening and diagnosis.  Declining physical function is a foundational component of sarcopenic obesity, particularly in older adults.  Machine learning-based technology paired with optical scanning will be used to facilitate a more widespread and economic evaluation strategy to improve screening efficiency and earlier intervention. Learn more.

Department of Global Health

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.

Biostatistics Center

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.

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.  

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.

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.

Department of Epidemiology

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.

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.

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.