Foundations of Rural Public Health in America First Edition Joseph N. Inungu

Joseph N. Inungu, MD, DrPH, MPHis a professor of public health at the School of Health Sciences at Central Michigan University, where he instructs multiple courses such as epidemiology, research methodologies in public health, and rural health. He currently serves as the Head of the Master of Public Health Program. Prior to joining Central Michigan University (CMU), he held the position of Socio-behavioral Research Director at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), a US-ONG based in New York. He supervised research endeavors in southern and eastern African countries including South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda. Before his tenure at IAVI, he acted as the Regional Researcher for Population Services International (PSI) offering technical support, overseeing the planning and execution of social marketing research in West and Central Africa, as well as administering capacity building workshops in research within participating countries. He oversaw research activities in Senegal, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and the DR Congo. These studies focused on global health (HIV/AIDS, malaria control, and WASH), and program evaluation and monitoring. Before his stint with PSI, he practiced as a pediatrician in Congo treating rural and underprivileged children from remote and impoverished areas. He has authored over 35 articles in peer-reviewed publications. He holds a Master’s and Doctor of Public Health degree from Tulane University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kinshasa, DR Congo.

Dr. Mark J.Minelli, PhD, MA, MPAis a public health professor at Central Michigan University specializing in addictions, personal development, and drugs and athletics. He has conducted extensive research and fieldwork concerning alcohol and other substance prevention programs and performance-enhancing substances. He is the author of 9 books/instructional guides, over 40 expert journal and magazine articles, book sections, and has made presentations at numerous national, state, and regional conferences. His publications have achieved nationwide and worldwide readership. Through his dynamic research agenda, he has been featured on national radio talk shows. Under his guidance, Central Michigan University was distinguished as a leading national university substance abuse prevention program. He has guided numerous students in completing their theses and doctoral dissertations, resulting in several professional journal publications. Dr. Minelli was recently honored with the University of the Year Award at Capella University 2020, where he currently serves as an adjunct professor.