معرفی
Sharon Casapulla, EdD, MPH, serves as Clinical Adjunct Assistant Professor in Family Medicine and Director of Rural and Underserved Programs at Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She concurrently acts as Community Outreach Coordinator for the Appalachian Rural Health Institute, driving community health initiatives across Appalachian Ohio.
Her educational background includes:
- Doctorate in Education (EdD), Ohio University, 2012
- Master of Public Health (MPH), Ohio University, 2019
- Master of Education (MEd), Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 2000
- Bachelor of Science (BS), State College of New Jersey, 1990
Dr. Casapulla's research centers on health literacy, rural Appalachian health disparities, and social determinants of health. With over 30 years of field experience, her work bridges academic research and community practice through participatory methods in underserved regions including Ohio, California, and Ecuador. She emphasizes translating findings into actionable public health strategies for vulnerable populations.
Current funding supports her evaluation of Athens County's needle exchange program expansion and community health planning initiatives. She actively mentors graduate students in qualitative research methodologies through the Rural and Urban Scholars Pathways (RUSP) Program and Open Book Project.
Her leadership spans program development (RUSP), community outreach (Appalachian Rural Health Institute), and curriculum design for medical education focused on rural health challenges.
