Paul Muntner, Ph.D.Paul Muntner, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been named the associate dean for Research. In this role, he will facilitate research between the School of Public Health and the UAB Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development.
Muntner has extensive experience in research leadership positions. He is vice chair of the Statistics Committee for the American Heart Association, a member of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline for the Management of Hypertension, and deputy editor for the Journal of the American Society of Hypertension and serves on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, American Journal of Cardiology and Journal of Hypertension.
“This is an exciting time for research at UAB,” Muntner said. “We have excellent faculty and outstanding studies that provide a foundation for new research opportunities. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to develop programs to accelerate the research of junior faculty members as they develop their independent research careers.”
“Paul has the credentials and relationships to move our research agenda forward and an excellent plan for building research capacity within the School of Public Health,” said Peter M. Ginter, Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Public Health. “In doing so, Paul will be a catalyst, role model and guiding force as he facilitates the school’s research initiatives.”
Muntner’s most recent research examines the burden of cardiovascular disease. He was the lead author on a recent national study that looked at the impact of the new American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association hypertension guideline. The study found that, under the new guideline, approximately 103.3 million people in the United States will be categorized as having high blood pressure.
In his new role, he will be responsible for setting up an effective Office of Research in the School of Public Health, communicating with the faculty to learn more about their current work, and facilitating research and associated intramural funding applications.
Muntner is also the director of the Lister Hill Center for Health Policy and the co-director of the Pharmacoepidemiology and Economics Research Unit.