Dr. Karen Liller, a Distinguished University Health Professor in the USF College of Public Health, was recently named a fellow of the American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB).

According to its website, the AAHB serves as the “research home for health behavior scholars committed to excellence and diversity in research to improve the public’s health.”

To be named a fellow, candidates must be members of the academy for five continuous years, have authored or co-authored at least 50 research publications and demonstrated service to the AAHB. Other criteria include being a principal or co-principal investigator of research grants totaling at least $1.5 million, being a principal or co-principal investigator on at least 25 research grants and/or presenting at least 75 scientific papers at national or international meetings.

“This is recognition of significant contributions to the field of health behavior research and demonstrated involvement in the AAHB,” said Liller, who is also director of the college’s Activist Lab. “My role, as I see it, is to continue to conduct and promote excellence in health behavior research and serve as a contributor to the work of the organization.”

To be voted a fellow by the AAHB’s board of directors, a candidate needs a two-thirds majority. Liller received a unanimous vote.

“It feels so gratifying to be recognized by the AAHB,” Liller said. “Being a fellow of the AAHB is an honor, as the organization focuses on meritocracy related to research while also working on strategies to mentor students and new faculty in the field. I see that advancing the research, education and service missions of the college and of my own research focused on child and adolescent injury prevention.”

Liller’s appointment will last as long as she is an active member of the AAHB.

Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health