CHHS Faculty

Dr. Prieto joined Mason in the fall of 2023. His research interests focus on aging and sexual health among older adults. He is passionate about advancing the discussions concerning sexual satisfaction and health disparities among older LGBTQIA+ populations. Prieto has published in several health-related journals such as Annals of LGBTQ Public and Population Health and the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. He earned his B.S. in Sociology/Criminal Justice at Central Michigan University, M.S.W. at the University of Michigan, and his Ph.D. at Michigan State University.

Dr. Kenneth Frese is Director of Clinical Operations in the School of Nursing. Frese’s research and quality improvement interests are in patient safety, expanding healthcare access, new nurse preparedness and professional identity. Before coming to Mason, Frese was a clinical nurse for 31 years, spanning roles from Practical Nurse to Clinical Nurse Specialist. His experience includes 27 years with Inova primarily in Critical Care, and he has led and collaborated on multiple successful facility and system-wide QI projects.

Leading health policy researcher to advance the research function in the College  

Debora Goldberg, associate professor in Mason’s College of Public Health, is a leading expert on resiliency and well-being in the health care workforce. 

A new study from Assistant Professor Melissa Villodas shows that connectedness is a protective factor against declining mental health.   

Alison Evans Cuellar, professor in the Department of Health Administration and Policy, was appointed to the Improving the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Youth through Health Care System Transformation committee.

Dr. Yanika Kowitlawakul is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and has been involved in teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Kowitlawakul’s research interests are educational technology and patient safety.

A new study from Tammie Jones and Ali Weinstein studied how individuals with a traumatic brain injury and their caregivers find health information for the disease and how to improve it.

A new study led by Associate Professor of Health Administration and Policy Gilbert Gimm found that the likelihood of past-month marijuana use among adults varies by type of disability and is higher in states with legalized medical marijuana.

Dr. Jessica Mitro is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Global and Community Health. She is passionate about access to and mobilization of knowledge and excited to support our future community, public health, and healthcare professionals.