M.P.H., Epidemiology, University of California-Berkeley (1981)
Ph.D., Human Development/Child Psychology, University of Kansas (1976)
M.A., Behavior Analysis Experimental Psychology, W. Michigan University (1973)
B.A., General Psychology, San Francisco State University (1972)
Dr. Hovell holds a PhD in Child Psychology and Human Development with specialization in adolescent development from the University of Kansas and a postdoctoral MPH in Social Epidemiology from the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Hovell is the former and founding Head of the Division of Health Promotion.
Professional Memberships/Affiliations
APHA, SBM SRNT
NIH study section; UCSD Cancer Center; Joint Ph.D. Programs
I focus on studies of the etiology of health-related behavior following the Behavioral Ecological Model. This includes studies of classic risk practices, such as diet and physical activity, as well as studies of clinicians’ service delivery. It also addresses means by which the influence of and change in culture can be achieved to establish healthy practices in whole populations.
For an up to date publications list please see Google Scholar.
CBEACH Research Center Established
Publications
Cumulative Citations
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Professor Melbourne Hovell received the Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Faculty Contributions. These “Montys” are awarded at the beginning of each school year and are a symbol of achievement and success presented to the most outstanding faculty members in each of SDSU’s seven colleges.
Dr. Hovell is one of the founding faculty members in the Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH). Established in 1980 to create a new focus on health and human services within the university, the GSPH provides opportunities for education, research, and community involvement to advance knowledge and improve the population’s health. Throughout Dr. Hovell’s career at SDSU, he has been recognized as a leading mentor for faculty and graduate students, promoting GSPH’s values and initiatives. In 2004 he was granted the prestigious Albert W. Johnson University Research Lectureship award recognizing his outstanding achievement in research and scholarship.
For the past 29 years, Dr. Hovell has served as the director at the Center for Behavioral and Community Health. This research organization focuses on the study of behavior that prevents or contributes to the causes of disease and injury. The research team is interested in,“tobacco prevention in youth, environmental tobacco exposure reduction in children, STDs, AIDS, pregnancy prevention in adolescents, and physical activity promotion in youth and adults.”
With a proven track record for developing engaging research, many post-doctoral students pursue research positions with Dr. Hovell. He is one of the most successful and sought after researchers in the history of SDSU, and his list of past grants and contracts total $100 million, including $15 million dollars in current grants and contracts. Dr. Hovell’s successes in teaching, research and community outreach has had a tremendous impact on the San Diego community, and we can’t wait to see the impact his research will make across the country.
Congratulations, Dr. Hovell!