Dr. Jeffrey J. Hatala
Program Director & Assistant Professor
Office: ACB 1, Room 321
Email: jhatala@wtamu.edu
Phone: 979-317-3497
Professional Profile
Dr. Hatala directs the Health Science program at the RELLIS campus located in Bryan, TX. His role includes recruiting, teaching, curriculum, student engagement and retention.
Teaching and Related Service
He teaches Public and Community Health (HSCI 3300), Epidemiology (HSCI 3301), Public Health Policy and Ethics (HSCI 3335), and Public Health Problems and Strategies (HSCI 4350). He serves as advisor to the Health Science club, and is a member of the RELLIS Health and Wellness Committee, in addition to his program responsibilities.
Research and Creative Activity
Dr. Hatala's research examines obesity and obesity prevention. His latest research studies obesity prevention efforts in Texas from 2012-2017, then examines these interventions in 2022-2023 to determine what efforts are still taking place and what elements of those interventions has made them sustainable. Investigating the obesity interventions revealed a connection with social support; future research will examine social support and its connection to health. In addition, he is interested in the public health workforce and student recruiting and enrollment issues.