This thesis examines the Soviet AIDS epidemic as a social and political crisis rather than solely a medical one. Through newspapers, diaries, and government documents, the research reveals how AIDS contributed to growing public distrust in Soviet institutions and became part of the broader crises preceding the collapse of the Soviet Union.

This research explores how to improve STI testing uptake within African and Caribbean communities in the UK. Using evidence reviews, interviews, and co-production workshops guided by the ACE framework, the project develops community-informed sexual health interventions designed to increase trust, accessibility, and acceptance of STI testing while reducing stigma and health inequalities.

This research develops antibacterial nanostructured surfaces inspired by natural materials such as cicada wings. The engineered surfaces physically rupture bacteria using nanoscale needle-like structures, avoiding traditional antibiotics and reducing the likelihood of antibiotic resistance. The technology could improve infection control in medical devices, implants, and hospital environments.

This research investigates compassion fatigue among preschool educators, particularly those working with children exposed to trauma and adversity. Through surveys and statistical analysis, the study examines links between empathy, workplace conditions, and emotional exhaustion. The findings aim to improve educator support systems, reduce burnout, and strengthen early childhood education environments.

This research examines how alcohol affects the severity and outcomes of suicide attempts among military service members and veterans. By analyzing documented attempts and personal narratives, the study reveals that alcohol often increases impulsivity and lethality, while occasionally interrupting attempts unintentionally, highlighting the need for alcohol-aware suicide prevention strategies.

This research develops biodegradable “living” water filters grown from kombucha cellulose membranes. Unlike conventional plastic filters, these biofilters can self-defend against harmful microbes and self-repair when damaged. The work aims to create affordable, sustainable, and effective water filtration systems that reduce plastic waste while improving access to clean drinking water.

This research uses wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor antibodies excreted by communities, providing early insights into population vulnerability to infectious diseases. By analyzing antibody trends in wastewater over time, the work helps public health authorities identify at-risk communities, allocate resources more effectively, strengthen vaccination strategies, and improve outbreak preparedness.

This research investigates atmospheric trace elements as indicators of pollution sources, focusing on toxic metal emissions from urban firestorms during the Eaton Canyon and Palisades fires. Elevated airborne lead concentrations prompted the creation of Phoenix, a community-based post-fire air monitoring network designed to track hazardous dust resuspension during debris cleanup.

This study explores anemia as a potential risk factor for dementia, finding that nearly half of dementia patients also exhibit low hemoglobin levels, often undiagnosed. By highlighting links between blood health and cognitive decline, the research advocates earlier detection and a multidisciplinary approach to reduce dementia’s growing societal and healthcare burden.

This research redefines digital health literacy for an AI-driven world, emphasizing the alignment between users and technology. Using a Delphi method, it identifies three core components—knowledge, skills, and context. The resulting framework guides the design of digital health tools that better support behavior change by adapting to users’ real-world needs.