CHET Spotlight: Dr. Jerod Stapleton

Jerod L. Stapleton, PhD, is a member of the Center for Health Equity Transformation Executive Committee, an associate professor of health, behavior & society, and the co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at the Markey Cancer Center. Dr. Stapleton is a prevention scientist with expertise and research interests that include: (1) conducting qualitative and quantitative etiological studies to better understand health behavior through the lens of a variety of behavioral and decision-making theories; (2) applying etiological insights and prevention science principles to the design and evaluation of behavioral interventions; and (3) utilizing digital platforms for delivering behavioral interventions. He has a sustained history of NIH research funding and has authored or co-authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact medical, psychology, and public health journals. His funded research focuses on explicating the impact of social and cultural factors on cancer risk behaviors, specifically the use of indoor tanning beds by adolescents and young adults, as well as the development and evaluation of theory-driven behavioral interventions to reduce tanning with an emphasis on delivery via social media and other digital platforms. His skin cancer prevention research has been cited by the World Health Organization, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.