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In the simplest sense, I describe myself as a public health clinician and researcher who who investigates ecological determinants of human environmental exposures.  By "ecological", I mean all those diverse factors from a many-leveled system that contribute to the burden of disease from environmental etiologies. 

Additionally, I have a varied interest in most research subjects related to public health and health behavior changes and often times find myself consulting on a wide range of topics.  Recent peer-reviewed publications, as well as successful research funding, and presentations/papers will provide you some idea of my activities.  For a complete list of all of my work please email me and request my CV at whill@montana.edu. 

One of the most satisfying aspects of my position as an assistant professor is working with students and introducing them to the research process.  In 2006 I was awarded Montana State Universities Provosts Award for Undergraduate Research Mentorship.  This was certainly a highlight in my career thus far and I have been privileged to work with many bright and motivated students lately including undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students.  Recent students and their research projects include:

Name            Title of Project                             Degree Sought

Ms. Megan Duffy	The Relationship Among Isolation, Socioeconomic Status, and Environmental Health Among a Sample of Rural Families.	B.S.  Microbiology Undergraduate Scholars Student
Mr. Reyan Pulido	Prioritizing Perceived Environmental Exposure Risks Among a Sample of Rural Low-Income Parents.	B.S. Nursing Undergraduate Scholars Student
Ms. Ginger Warren	Pulmonary Morbidity Among Adults Exposed to Libby Asbestos	M.N. Nursing
Mr. Dan Nagota	Understanding Consumer-based Water Treatment Systems and The Primary Care Clinician	M.N. Nursing
Ms. Kelly Coloff	Descriptive Analysis of Caregiver Perceptions of Their Children's Risks Associated with Exposure To Environmental Tobacco Smoke	M.N. Nursing
Ms. Sara Heinman	Mercury Exposure Risks Among a Sample of Rural Low-Income Women of Childbearing Age	M.N. Nursing
Mr. Doug Christensen	Accuracy of Risk Perception for Well-water Contaminants Among Caregivers of Rural Children	B.S. Nursing Undergraduate Scholars Student
Ms. Colleen Fox	Cultural Adaptation of an Environmental Risk Assessment Measures	B.S.  American Indian Research Opportunities Program
Ms. Carla Bighead	Development of Testing Protocols for Wall Relative Humidity for Household Moisture Screening	B.S. American Indian Research Opportunities Program
Ms. Jennifer Whiteman Runs Him	Resource Development for Environmental Risk Reduction	B.S. Indian Research Opportunities Program

 

You might also be interested in professional or honorary organizations that I belong to including the American Public Health Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, Phi Kappa Phi. 

(American Public Health Association Conference, Boston, 2007--Below left to right, Nursing undergraduate student Katy Vanvelkinburg, PhD student and collaborator Laura Larsson, collaborator Julie Postma, research coordinator Kelly Harnish, Nursing undergraduate student Paul Krogue, Wade Hill).