Daniela B Friedman

Dr. Daniela B Friedman is a Professor and Interim Associate Dean for Research at the Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina. She specializes in health communication, particularly with older and diverse populations, focusing on improving disease prevention information access and culturally appropriate messaging strategies. Her interdisciplinary work bridges community partnerships, public health policy, and implementation science.

Her research emphasizes understanding health disparities in dementia, cognitive aging, and chronic disease prevention. Notable areas include the impact of environmental factors (e.g., green spaces, neighborhood SES) on health outcomes, tobacco policy analysis in India, and evaluation of federally funded cancer prevention programs. She leads initiatives like the CPCRN Scholars Program and collaborates on training programs to diversify aging research.

Dr. Friedman’s articles reflect her focus on modifiable risk factors for dementia, health literacy interventions, and policy implementation challenges. She has contributed to studies on preventive care barriers for children with Down syndrome, the role of physical activity in cognitive health, and mental health disparities in HIV-positive populations. Her work frequently integrates qualitative methods to assess stakeholder experiences and program effectiveness.

• Key Roles: Interim Associate Dean for Research, Health Promotion, Education & Behavior Department Head
• Collaborations: Partnerships with federal agencies, community organizations, and international stakeholders
• Training Initiatives: Dementia-focused research mentorship, implementation science training

Her recent projects include evaluating telehealth resident training, assessing climate change impacts on food security, and analyzing sensory impairment’s role in dementia risk. She advocates for intersectional approaches to health communication, emphasizing how social determinants and environmental factors shape population health outcomes.