Dr. Elizabeth Prom-Wormley
Education:

PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2007

MPH, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1999

BS, The College of William and Mary, 1997

Research Interests/Current Projects:

Gene-Environment Interaction. My early research interests focused on methodological issues in the detection of gene-environment interaction (GxE). My work was one of the first studies to identify a significant GxE between MAOA and childhood adversity in adolescent girls. I am currently working on a project (Danielle Dick, PI) to develop a website that will assist other researchers when preparing and evaluating their own studies of GxE.

Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Smoking Behaviors– I also work on the evaluation of the genetic and environmental contributions to nicotine dependence in adolescence (Hermine Maes, PI). The goal of this project is to improve understanding of the genetic and environmental contributions to the development of adolescent smoking behaviors using extended twin and family samples with previously collected longitudinal data from 15 different samples consisting of approximately 60,000 adolescent twin pairs.

Community-Based Participatory Research– I have been leading the evaluation team of the Seventh District Health and Wellness Initiative (HWI). The HWI is a 20-organization and resident partnership located in the East End of Richmond. This partnership is focused on the development of prevention and educational programs to alleviate the burden of health-related issues in a community which has indicated need. Currently, we are developing community-based approaches to understand the role and utilization factors related to achieving successful health-related outcomes. Eventually, I would like to develop one piece of this project to understand how and where genetically informative information such as family health history may be best used in the public health setting.

What brought you to VCU and/or Public Health:

VCU has been an extraordinary place by which to develop my multidisciplinary research interests related to bridging the numerous gaps which exist in public health, medicine and science. I am excited work with other colleagues and students to continue to develop these interests.

Hobbies or an interesting factoid:

I have found that being involved in activities outside of my research and teaching responsibilities makes me a stronger colleague. My “other” life is filled with fun and often informs my “real” life. I train for triathlons, attempt to grow vegetables in my VCU community garden plot, and spend time volunteering throughout Richmond.