Dr. Kathryn (Katie) Barnhart is an Associate Professor for the Master of Public Health program at Grand Valley State University. She received her PhD in Health Behavior, with a minor in mixed methods inquiry, from Indiana University Bloomington’s School of Public Health. Additionally, she holds a MPH in Behavioral Science and Health Education and a graduate certificate in Women’s Studies from Saint Louis University. Dr. Barnhart has previous practical experience planning, implementing, and evaluating HIV prevention, harm reduction, and sexual health programs. She incorporates engaged learning opportunities within her classroom, emphasizes critical thinking, and encourages students to be public health advocates.

Her research experience includes both qualitative and quantitative studies on a variety of public health topics. She has worked on community-based participatory research projects and a nationally representative survey. Dr. Barnhart’s current interests include exploring social and behavioral determinants of health, more specifically sexual health and injection drug use/harm reduction. She actively collaborates with local organizations to conduct applied research.

At GVSU, Dr. Barnhart serves as a member of the Institutional Review Board and multiple Equity and Inclusion Committees/Affinity Groups.

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