Natalicio H. Serrano

Dr. Natalicio H. Serrano is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. He holds affiliations as an Associate Member at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and a Faculty Fellow at the Carolina Population Center. His research focuses on equitable environment and policy strategies for physical activity promotion, chronic disease prevention, and addressing systemic issues like racial/ economic segregation, gentrification, and displacement through systems approaches.

Education:

• PhD in Public Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis (2021)
• MPH in Health Promotion & Behavioral Science, San Diego State University (2016)
• BS in Health Science-Public Health, San Diego State University (2014)

Research Interests: Dr. Serrano investigates spatial and place-based drivers of health behaviors, neighborhood environments, and public health policy. His work emphasizes urban planning, health equity, and the intersection of transportation, housing, and health outcomes.

Key Research Trends: His publications address urban design's role in health equity, displacement challenges in community development, and rural physical activity determinants. Recent work explores policy interventions to mitigate health disparities through zoning and community planning.

Affiliations & Roles: Beyond his academic role, Dr. Serrano contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives at the Lineberger Cancer Center and Carolina Population Center, integrating population health strategies into broader public health frameworks.