Ruth Kafensztok

Ruth Kafensztok is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Master of Public Health program at the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago. With over 20 years of experience in public health practice and academia, her expertise focuses on administrative data systems, motor vehicle traffic injuries, and prevention-oriented interventions. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the State University of Rio de Janeiro and a DrPH from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Her research interests emphasize leveraging public health data systems to address systemic challenges, particularly in injury prevention and cross-disciplinary solutions. She advocates for multi-sector collaboration involving education, housing, and labor sectors to achieve population health goals. At Loyola, she values the interdisciplinary environment of the Parkinson School, fostering synergies across disciplines.

Ruth has contributed to studies on global health pedagogy, physical activity patterns, and environmental interventions. Her work bridges academic research with practical public health applications, such as mosquito control strategies and medical curriculum development.

Her academic contributions are highlighted through collaborations with institutions globally, including work published in journals like MedEdPORTAL, Annals of Medicine, and Chronobiology International.