Public health research has a new partner in Norfolk. Gerald “Jerry” Poplin, Ph.D., has been named associate dean for research at the Joint School of Public Health (JSPH) at Old Dominion University, a partnership with Norfolk State University. Dr. Poplin brings decades of experience in occupational and environmental health, epidemiology and interdisciplinary research to the role.
Dr. Poplin holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and both a master’s degree and doctorate in epidemiology, all from the University of Arizona. He officially joined the JSPH in late October from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a government agency that conducts research to help protect workers from work-related injury and illness.
He said his path to public health was shaped by early curiosity and family influence.
“There is no single reason, but rather a combination of influences and interests that have led me to a career in public health,” Dr. Poplin said. “My parents instilled the importance of being productive and helping people who need help.”
As an undergraduate, Dr. Poplin was increasingly drawn to environmental science and the health impacts of environmental disasters, like Superfund sites. A recommendation from a professor to pursue epidemiology in graduate school ultimately set his professional course.
“I had no idea what epidemiology was at the time, let alone how to spell it,” he said. “But once I looked into it, I was instantly hooked.”
Often described as the science of public health, epidemiology allows practitioners to study health patterns across and within different communities, he said.
“No matter the area of interest — injury prevention, cancer management, cardiovascular disease — epidemiologic principles can help us better understand the world and improve community health,” Dr. Poplin said.
Before joining the JSPH, Dr. Poplin worked on research initiatives that emphasized collaboration across disciplines, including medicine, engineering, industrial hygiene, psychology, statistics and communications. He said the most successful projects were those that united partners under shared goals.
“I’ve especially admired leaders who balance the various needs of communities while maintaining good science to achieve practical solutions,” Dr. Poplin said. “That’s where meaningful progress happens.”
In his new role, Dr. Poplin will lead the development of research priorities and support faculty in their pursuit of strategic grant funding to grow the new school’s research portfolio.
Li-Wu Chen, Ph.D., M.H.S.A., founding dean and professor in the Joint School of Public Health, said the hiring of the first associate dean for research for the school is a major building block in its growth.
“We have been pleased to welcome Dr. Poplin to the JSPH and appreciate the energy and commitment he has brought to working with our faculty to advance our research priorities,” Dr. Chen said. “As a new school, building capacity across all areas, especially research, is a central goal in the years ahead. Our faculty have a strong record of impact, and we look forward to expanding that momentum.”
Originally from Northern Virginia, Dr. Poplin said joining the JSPH is a full-circle moment as he returns to Virginia from Washington state, and he’s excited to help build the school during its early years to benefit the state where he grew up.
“Thriving communities are built on strong public health systems,” he said. “My goal is to ensure our partners understand the value of the research and service happening at the Joint School of Public Health and to clearly communicate how our work supports healthier communities.”
He plans to develop a strategic research plan built on transparency, with a focus on evaluation and communication, translating complex research into practical and positive impacts.
Dr. Poplin also emphasized the importance of recognizing the public health workforce.
“Public health professionals have historically worked behind the scenes,” he said. “They make a significant impact on health and quality of life, and they deserve recognition for their dedication.”
His plan: Make sure research findings are open to all, not just academics.
One of Dr. Poplin’s favorite quotes is: “The hardest thing to do is to simplify your life. In research, I’m choosing the hard path by trying to make things simple, clear and accessible.”