Translational Research in Communities

We engage in community-based participatory research to improve health and reduce health disparities.

We take an applied, collaborative approach to this research area, inviting community members to more actively participate in the full spectrum of our studies, from conception to completion.

Through our partnerships, we translate knowledge into practice — and into social change. At the same time, we increase awareness and understanding of UB research, equitably involving all of our academic and community partners in our process and recognizing the unique strengths each one brings to it.

Our work in this area helps improve community health, health systems, programs and policies, while reducing health disparities.

Research Projects

An Epidemiological Study on the Health Effects and Coke Oven Emissions from Tonawanda Coke
7/9/18
This project will conduct a 10 year cohort study of 38,000 residents of Tonawanda and Grand Island to examine the health effects of industrial environmental pollutants.
Effectiveness and Implementation of a Research Tested Mobile Produce Market Designed to Improve Diet in Underserved Communities
6/19/18
This study will test the effectiveness of the Veggie Van program when implemented by different organizations in multiple communities. If shown to be effective, we can create a research-tested intervention toolkit which can be disseminated to communities across the country.
Engaging Patients in Breast Health through Patieint Ambassaors, Mobile Mammography, and Education
7/9/18
This project supports mobile mammography at inner-city safety-net practices in Buffalo and expands to engage patient ambassadors to connect with women after their screening and supporting them if they require follow-up.
Peer Led Asthma Self-Management for Adolescents PLASMA A Multi-site Study
7/9/18
This project compares peer-led education to adult professional led education to improve asthma outcomes in adolescents. It is a multi-site study in Buffalo, Memphis and Baltimore.   
Prevention of Opioid Misuse for Erie County NY Women of Childbearing Age
7/9/18
This initiative improves the health of women of childbearing age (15-44) by developing and piloting a model to implement universal screening, brief intervention and referral for treatment (SBIRT) in community-based OB/GYN practices.

Research Centers/Partners

Patient Voices Network
10/1/14

A network of patient teams from largely disadvantaged neighborhoods that partner with the Primary Care Research Institute to help shape medical practice design, research and quality-improvement initiatives.

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
2/6/19

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Its campus spans 25 acres on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. For more than a century, physician-scientists at Roswell Park have made fundamental contributions to reduce the cancer burden and to help set the national standards for cancer care, research and education.

UB Clinical and Translational Science Institute
3/29/19

Director: Timothy F. Murphy, MD

An integrated academic home for UB’s outstanding clinical research and translational science, and the hub of the Buffalo Translational Consortium. The CTSI provides innovative research tools, support, training, resources and coordination.

Upstate New York Practice Based Research Network
9/18/18

Director: Ranjit Singh, MB BChir, MBA (Interim)

Investigates questions related to community-based primary care practice. Aims to improve patient care by translating research into practice and by involving practices in research.

Faculty

Tumiel Berhalter, Laurene

Laurene Tumiel Berhalter, PhD

Director of Community Translational Research

UB Downtown Gateway, Department of Family Medicine, 77 Goodell Street, Suite 220N Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: 716-816-7278; Fax: 716-845-6899

Email: tumiel@buffalo.edu