Jay ChristianView profile
Associate Professor
Jay Christian, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Environmental Health at the University of Kentucky. He holds research memberships in the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program, Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences (UK-CARES), and Markey Cancer Center. Dr. Christian earned both his Ph.D. (2013) and Master of Public Health (2003) from the University of Kentucky. His research focuses on spatial epidemiology, environmental exposures, tobacco-related health risks, and cancer disparities. Key domains include: Geospatial analysis of disease patterns Environmental contaminant impacts on communities Behavioral risk factors in Appalachian populations Cancer incidence variations and prevention strategies His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on environmental epidemiology (water/air pollution studies), cancer detection trends, health disparities in rural Appalachia, and impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare access. Research frequently employs spatial scan statistics and community-based participatory methods. He leads multiple federal grants including NIH projects on pediatric brain tumors linked to air pollution (NCI), heavy metal exposure impacts on children (NIEHS), and public health workforce development (CDC). His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through environmental health equity research.








