Meet the lab

Nina Wolf (she/her)

Graduate Research Associate, MFA candidate in Design Research and Development (second year), Graduate Minor in Public Health Behavior and Promotion

I grew up in Akron, Ohio, and earned my BFA in Communications Design with a minor in Sustainability Studies from Pratt Institute in 2023. My interest lies in exploring the intersection of design and public health, seeking how design can be leveraged in addressing public health challenges.

What are your goals for the future?

I’d love to work as a user experience researcher in public health or healthcare and eventually also teach as a design professor. No matter where I end up though, my main goal is to do work that helps others in a meaningful way—that’s what gives me a sense of purpose!

How do you spend your time outside of academia?

Outside of academia, I recharge by spending time with loved ones, catching up on the latest sci-fi movies and music biopics (Rocketman is a favorite!), listening to investigative podcasts (I’m currently into one called Hysterical), and playing pickleball. Recently, I’ve also been trying to get back into hiking!

Cherod Bowens (he/him)

Research Assistant, Undergraduate Neuroscience Major, 2026

I’m a Columbus native with a primary interest in community and environmental health. I am working as a researcher on Greater Columbus INSIGHT; I am thrilled to deliver our findings back to our communities and continue to make space for marginalized voices to be uplifted in research.

 

What drew you to a public health education?

I was drawn to public health education through Joanne’s course, Role of Behavior in Public Health. As a behavioral neuroscience student, I was drawn to the ways that human behavior and choice access informs generations of people, not only through how we develop but also how our communities can thrive when given a fair chance. Throughout this course we addressed many different determinants of health with a focus on how they developed and also the possible ways that we can shift their prevalence in others’ lives. Being in a public health centered environment not only opened my eyes to the world of public health education but also equipped me with the tools to become an active changemaker within it.

What makes you passionate about addressing health disparities in your research?

The thing that makes me the most passionate about addressing health disparities in our research is the reality that so many people exist within systems that have been built up to disenfranchise and displace them. Having witnessed this firsthand and the ways to mitigate these risks, I have made an intentional effort to be a part of the mending process of communities and that is exactly what our research does. Through our research we do the necessary work to best ensure that all people are heard and have equitable access to the resources that their communities deserve.

What are your goals for the future?

I hope to graduate with my bachelor’s and go on to pursue my MPH and JD in health policy law.

How do you spend your time outside of academia?

Outside of academia, I am an Adult Ally with the Franklin County Youth Council which focuses on best practices to better teen mental health and provide mutual aid throughout Franklin County. Additionally, I love playing chess, running, and listening to Clairo.

 Dr. Darren Mays

Title: Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Assistant Dean for Research & Tenure Track Faculty at OSU College of Medicine, Director of Training at the Center for Tobacco Research

Pronouns: he/him

Dr. Darren Mays is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Assistant Dean for Research & Tenure Track Faculty at the College of Medicine, and Director of Training at the Center for Tobacco Research. His research focuses on addictive behaviors in the context of cancer prevention, including nicotine/tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and others.

What was a memorable experience of your public health career?

My most memorable experience was probably starting my first faculty position. I always had my sights set on an academic research career, but it only took a couple of weeks for me to realize at that point in my career after completing my PhD, I still had so much to learn!

What advice would you give to students pursuing public health?

My training is in public health but my career path wound to academic medicine. My main advice is to consider diverse opportunities where your skills and expertise can apply. You never know which door will open and will be your “forever” job!

Maxwell Schoen (he/him) 

Research Assistant, Public Health with a specialization in Sociology, Freshman 

1/16/2024 

I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. My interest in public health stems from my passion for cancer prevention and LGBTQ+ health equity. The Public Health Sociology program provides a background on how social factors impact the health of communities. 

What drew you to a public health education?  

Public health has always interested me because of its unique blend of disciplines and the way that it impacts almost every part of life. I really appreciate how it combines my interests of health, social justice, and policy into one multifaceted education.  

What are your goals for the future? 

I hope to earn my MPH in health behavior and health promotion before I pursue a medical degree. I would like to use my public health background to contribute meaningful research to the body of knowledge around health disparities and be a more compassionate physician. 

How do you spend your time outside of academia?  

Outside of academia, I enjoy playing guitar, going to concerts, running, working out and doing outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and camping. I also really enjoy traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures. 

 

Dr. Amy Ferketich 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 

Title: Professor & Interim Chair, OSU College of Public Health, Epidemiology Division 

Dr. Ferketich is a professor of public health, with research interests in smoking cessation, tobacco control, and policies that are focused on youth and young adult tobacco initiation prevention.  

What was a memorable experience of your public health career?  

Working on Ohio State’s first Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science was memorable because I was one of the PIs of the Buckeye Teen Health Study. From that project, we learned a lot about adolescent tobacco use in Ohio. I also worked with an outstanding group of investigators who taught me a lot! 

What advice would you give to students pursuing public health?  

Public health is political and it’s easy to get frustrated by the politics, lack of funding, etc. Students should not let this get in their way of doing good work because what we do is important and impactful. 

Rithika Nidimusali (She/Her/Hers)

Research Assistant, BS in Neuroscience, Minor in Global Public Health

I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience with a minor in global public health. My commitment revolves around recognizing and alleviating health disparities in diverse communities, with a specific emphasis on the LGBTQ community.

What drew you to a public health education? 

I was drawn to a public health education by my aspiration to become a physician and my desire to comprehend the interconnectedness of health and societal factors influencing patient well-being. Recognizing that health outcomes are not solely determined by medical interventions, I sought a broader understanding of the social, economic, and environmental determinants that contribute to health disparities. A public health education provides me with the knowledge and tools to address these broader factors, allowing me to approach patient care with a more holistic and informed perspective.

How do you spend your time outside of academia? 

Outside of academia, I indulge in my passions for thrifting, upcycling, and sustainability. I find joy in exploring thrift stores, discovering hidden gems, and repurposing items to give them new life.

Dr. Megan Roberts 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Title: Associate Professor, OSU College of Public Health

Dr. Megan Roberts is an Associate Professor of Public Health at The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on tobacco use among populations historically targeted by the tobacco industry–particularly adolescents and young adults, racial/ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals living in rural areas.

What was a memorable experience of your public health career?

I supported the restriction on flavored tobacco products that was recently passed in our city of Columbus, OH. A lot of public health equity advocates worked very hard to make this happen: working with key community stakeholders, garnering support from the public, and providing testimony to the City Council. It was really exciting to watch the process unfold, but also nerve-racking because of the strong industry opposition!

What advice would you give to students pursuing public health? 

Public health is so incredibly broad, so take time to find an area that is the right fit for you. Working or volunteering with public health faculty or public health organizations is a great way to experience different environments.

Follow her on Instagram! @meganroberts_osu