WashU Public Health launches research network to solve urgent health, environmental challenges
Solutions through Planetary Health Research (SPHERE) drives research, solutions to protect the intertwined health of people and the planet
January 9, 2026
Lab promotes the use of design approaches to improve health services.
A new laboratory has been established at WashU School of Public Health dedicated to designing health interventions and understanding complex systems to ensure that public health programs and interventions can be successfully implemented, sustained and scaled up to maximize impact.
The Health Design & Impact Lab, co-led by assistant professors Maura Kepper, MPH, PhD, and Sara Malone, MSW, PhD, aims to incorporate the principles and methods of design – engaging early and continually with target audiences to uncover root causes of health challenges, generate ideas and iteratively test prototypes – into public health research and practice to improve health outcomes, optimize interventions, elevate health-care delivery and expand the capabilities of health systems for all people.
The lab will function as an applied-learning space for students, researchers and practitioners to gain hands-on experience with health design.
Solutions through Planetary Health Research (SPHERE) drives research, solutions to protect the intertwined health of people and the planet
January 9, 2026
Applying a formative research approach to her work, Caburnay helps guide master’s students and curriculum redesign
January 9, 2026
A study of 7,850 households across 16 countries by WashU Public Health's Lindsay Stark and Ilana Seff demonstrates that refugees living outside traditional camps have higher employment rates, increased savings, and reduced reliance on aid than those in camps.
The Source
December 19, 2025