School of Public Health
School of Public Health Announces 2026 CoRS Research Award Recipients
Community of Research Scholars Award 2026
Sunday, 01 March 2026
This year’s awardees represent diverse research areas ranging from environmental health and water access to cardiovascular impacts of cancer treatment and innovative technologies to support aging populations.
Dr. Hongmei Zhang
“DNA Methylation of Imprinting Control Regions and Its Longitudinal Association with Metabolic Dysregulations” will investigate how epigenetic modifications—specifically DNA methylation at imprinting control regions (ICRs)—are associated with the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction over time. Imprinted genes play a critical role in growth, energy regulation, and metabolic processes, and alterations in methylation patterns at ICRs may disrupt normal gene expression and contribute to metabolic dysregulation. Using longitudinal data and biospecimens, this study will examine how changes in DNA methylation at key imprinting regions relate to metabolic indicators such as insulin resistance, obesity, and cardiometabolic risk. Findings from this research may help identify early epigenetic biomarkers of metabolic disease and improve understanding of how biological and environmental factors interact to influence long-term metabolic health.
Dr. Chunrong Jia
REAIM WASH Impact
Dr. Chunrong Jia’s project, REAIM WASH Impact, will examine the impact of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions using the RE-AIM implementation science framework. The study aims to evaluate the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and sustainability of WASH initiatives in improving community health outcomes. Findings will help inform scalable strategies for improving environmental health and access to safe water and sanitation.
Dr. Abu Mohammed Naser Titu
Developing the Infrastructure for Research on Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiotoxicity in Shelby County
Dr. Abu Mohammed Naser Titu’s project focuses on building research infrastructure to investigate the cardiovascular effects of cancer therapies among residents of Shelby County. Cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity is an emerging public health concern as advances in cancer treatment improve survival rates but may also increase long-term cardiovascular risk. This project will establish foundational partnerships and data systems to support future research aimed at improving cardiovascular outcomes for cancer survivors.
Dr. Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya
Developing a Mixed Reality Horticulture Practice App for Quality of Life and Cognitive Benefit of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Dr. Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya’s project will develop an innovative mixed-reality application that enables older adults with mild cognitive impairment to engage in virtual horticulture activities. The app will combine immersive technology with therapeutic gardening practices to promote cognitive stimulation, mental well-being, and improved quality of life among aging populations.
The CoRS program reflects SPH’s commitment to fostering innovative, collaborative research that addresses critical health challenges locally and globally. These projects Highlight the breadth of expertise within the School and its dedication to advancing research that improves community health, clinical outcomes, and quality of life.
SPH congratulates the 2026 CoRS recipients and looks forward to the impact their research will have on public health practice and scientific discovery.
the project will assess how these interventions perform in practice and how they can be scaled to improve public health outcomes in diverse communities.
Hongmei Zhang, PhD, MS, Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya, MBBS, MA, PhD, Chunrong Jia, PhD and Abu Mohammed Naser Titu, PhD, MBBS, MPH
The Office of Communications at The University of Memphis School of Public Health