Andrew Lafrenz

About

Andrew Lafrenz, PhD, MPH, is the new Associate Dean for Pre-Health Professions, the Director of the Public Health and Wellness Program and an Associate Professor. Andrew is a 2002 graduate of the University of Portland with a degree in Biology. Upon completion of a Masters in Integrative Physiology at the University of Georgia, he became a full-time lecturer in the Biology Department at UP for eleven years. Andrew was also an All-Academic student-athlete in track and cross-country for both the University of Portland and the University of Georgia. After attending Oregon State University and earning an MPH in epidemiology and PhD in public health with a focus in behavioral epidemiology he completed a postdoc fellowship in epidemiology with the CDC. During that fellowship, he worked with the Wyoming Department of Health analyzing maternal and child health data related to obesity, physical activity, and nutrition.

This will be his 22^nd year as a full-time faculty member in higher education, teaching courses ranging from Anatomy and Physiology to Epidemiology and Community Health Promotion. His scholarship focuses on community-based research in the areas of maternal and child health as well as more recently, the role of green spaces on the health of communities. Andrew holds national certifications as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist, a National Board of Health and Wellness Certified Coach and an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Certified Guide. For the past 5 years, he has served as the County Epidemiologist for the Columbia County Public Health Department. Andrew also retired this summer as an elected official serving as a Scappoose City Councilor.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, Oregon State University
• Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, Oregon State University
• Master of Science in Kinesiology, University of Georgia
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Portland
  
  

Research

Andrew’s research focuses on behavioral epidemiology, health behavior, and health promotion related to COVID-19, obesity, physical activity, and nutrition across the lifespan.

Recent Publications

Lafrenz, A. (2021). 78. The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Mental Well-Being in Older Adolescents in College. Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(2), S42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.12.087

Lafrenz, A., Lust, T., Cleveland, M., Mirka, A., Downs, A., Goodin, B., & Van Hoomissen, J. (2018). Association between Psychosocial and Organizational Factors and Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior in Desk-Dependent Office Workers. Occupational Health Science, 2(4), 323–335. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41542-018-0028-2