معرفی
Dannell D. Boatman, EdD, MS, serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Cancer Prevention and Control at West Virginia University School of Medicine and Faculty Member in the WVU Cancer Institute Research Programs. As Director of the CHATS Lab and Core, she leads an innovative program bridging communication science and community health impact in rural Appalachia.
Her educational credentials include:
- MS, Kansas State University (2016)
- EdD, AT Still University of Health Sciences (2020)
- MS, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2023)
Dr. Boatman's research centers on developing culturally attuned health communication strategies that translate complex cancer science into actionable guidance for rural communities. Using mixed-methods approaches, her work spans clinical settings, community outreach, and digital platforms to design interventions that increase screening rates and promote health equity. Her Appalachian-focused research emphasizes co-creation with community members to ensure interventions resonate with local values and address specific barriers to care.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- 2023 Putnam Scholar, Academy of Communication in Healthcare
- 2024 Research Scholar, WV Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Dr. Boatman maintains active grant funding as principal investigator on federal and foundation-supported projects since 2023. Her leadership extends through service on the American Cancer Society's National Lung Cancer Roundtable, WHO's Health Information Integrity Alliance, and PEC Innovation's editorial board. The CHATS Lab and Core operate as a synergistic unit where community-informed research directly fuels practical communication solutions, creating a continuous cycle of discovery and implementation to close the gap between scientific knowledge and health outcomes in underserved regions.
The CHATS ecosystem combines rigorous academic research with real-world application through its dual structure: the Lab develops evidence-based communication interventions, while the Core provides implementation support to researchers and practitioners. This model empowers healthcare systems across Appalachia to deliver more effective, accessible health messaging that drives measurable behavior change and reduces cancer disparities.
