Vanderpool Selected as Scholar in Women’s Health Program

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 19, 2012) − Robin Vanderpool, assistant professor in the Department of Health Behavior at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, has been selected as a scholar in the National Institute of Health's (NIH)-supported Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program.

UK was awarded the NIH grant in 1999 for provision of career development and mentoring opportunities for junior MD and PhD members with interests in research careers related to women’s health.

"As a BIRCWH scholar, I hope to establish an independent, extramurally-funded research agenda focused on women's health along the cancer control continuum, with a particular emphasis on improving cancer survivorship outcomes among women employed in lower-wage, hourly positions," Vanderpool said. ” The BIRCWH program will provide for dedicated time to pursue funding opportunities and training opportunities in research design and analysis, plus mentorship from successful researchers here at the University of Kentucky.”

Vanderpool has been at UK for 12 years. She served as an educator and researcher for the National Institute’s Cancer Information Service (CIS), awarded locally to the UK Markey Cancer Control Program for 6 years. While at CIS, she was responsible for working collaboratively with researchers across the southeastern U.S. to formulate research projects, develop funding applications, coordinate the implementation of studies conducted with the CIS, and translate and strategically disseminate CIS research findings. Currently, Vanderpool serves as the Deputy Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded Rural Cancer Prevention Center (RCPC), awarded to the UK College of Public Health.

The RCPC focuses on breast, cervical and colorectal cancer disparities in Appalachian Kentucky. Her research interests center on the intersection of health behavior, public health practice, and cancer prevention and control.  Vanderpool also teaches graduate courses on rural health disparities, public health and disease prevention, and health behavior theory.

Media Contact: Ann Blackford at (859) 312-3587 or ann.blackford@uky.edu