Announcing Dr. Joseph Needoba as interim Associate Dean of Research

Dr. Joseph Needoba is named the new interim Associate Dean of Research at the School of Public Health. Dr. Needoba moved into this role effective February 10th and will be serving in this position part-time through December 2025.

Dr. Needoba has been an integral part of the SPH family for over a decade and with OHSU since 2008. His research and teaching includes a focus on water quality, ecology, and the intersection of human well-being and ecosystem health. As a faculty member and instructor in the Environmental Systems and Human Health MPH program, his commitment to fostering an understanding of these complex systems among our students has not only enriched their learning experience but has also equipped them to become environmentally conscious public health professionals.

Over the past three years, Dr. Needoba has been instrumental in chairing our research committee, leading and contributing to initiatives such as the SPH Research Seminars series, the SPH Research Retreat, internal Catalyst and Kickstarter grants, and nominating faculty and students for research awards at both OHSU and PSU. These initiatives have not only illuminated the remarkable contributions our SPH faculty are making in the realm of public health research but have also played a critical role in uniting our research community through events that foster collaboration and build a stronger sense of community.

In his new role, Dr. Needoba will have overall responsibility for providing vision and leadership in research activities for the SPH and will oversee the development of a compelling research vision consistent with the strategic priorities of both OHSU and PSU.