JaNelle Ricks

Since becoming active in public health in 2008, I have been involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating cross-sectional and prospective studies in rural tobacco control policy, cancer prevention and control, childhood stress and trauma, and HIV/STD/unintended pregnancy prevention for youth and young adult populations in rural and urban settings. My current research addresses sexual and reproductive health issues among adolescent/young adult, racial/ethnic and sexual minority populations. My research examines the intersection of individual, social and environmental determinants of health, with particular emphasis on health disparities.