Semra Aytur

Prior to joining UNH, Aytur completed a postdoctoral fellowship in cardiovascular epidemiology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Her research interests focus on relationships between policy, environment, and systems change to promote healthy behaviors and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. She is particularly interested in health disparities and in relationships between land use, transportation, and environmental policies which affect access to health- promoting resources. Aytur received a dissertation grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to examine the relationships between land use policies, transportation infrastructure investments, physical activity, and obesity. She also received an award in 2008 from the University of North Carolina Center for Urban and Regional Studies to conduct a community-based participatory research project in a rural African-American community, examining the impact of a local Farmer's Market on health behavior. Additionally, Aytur obtained practical public health experience by working in public health departments in several states, focusing on policies related to healthy eating, active living, and chronic disease prevention. She also has experience working in hospital settings, conducting patient-centered outcomes research. Aytur continues to be involved in collaborative, transdisciplinary projects to examine how policy, environment, and systems change can improve population health.
Courses Taught
- 501: Epidemiology & Comm Med Lab
- 715: Environmental Health
- 750: Sustainability Capstone
- 796: Independent Study
- 798H: Honors Project/Research Design
- 799H: Honors Project/Research
- 907: Public Health Policy
- BMS 799H: Senior Honors Thesis
- HMP 501: Epidemiology&Communty Medicine
- HMP 715: Environmental Health
- HMP 746: Health Policy
- HMP 796: Independent Study
- HMP 798H: Honors Project/Research Design
- HMP 799H: Honors Project/Research
- INCO 590: Rsrch Exp/Health Man & Policy
- INCO 790: Adv Rsrch Exp/HealthMan&Policy
- PHP 907: Public Health Policy
Selected Publications
Aytur, S. A., Carlino, S., Bernard, F., West, K., Dobrzycki, V., & Malik, R. (2022). Social-ecological theory, substance misuse, adverse childhood experiences, and adolescent suicidal ideation: Applications for community-academic partnerships. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, 50(1), 265-284. doi:10.1002/jcop.22560
Caron, R. M., & Aytur, S. (2021). Paradigm Shift Required for Population Health Improvement. POPULATION HEALTH MANAGEMENT, 24(4), 423-426. doi:10.1089/pop.2020.0259
Aytur, S. A., Ray, K. L., Meier, S. K., Campbell, J., Gendron, B., Waller, N., & Robin, D. A. (2021). Neural Mechanisms of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Network-Based fMRI Approach. FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE, 15. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2021.587018
Bucci, J. P., Aytur, S. A., & Staudigel, P. (2021). Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida, in Puget Sound: stable isotope shell profiles as potential indicators of a changing climate. BULLETIN OF MARINE SCIENCE, 97(1), 19-36. doi:10.5343/bms.2019.0110
Meier, S. K., Ray, K. L., Waller, N. C., Gendron, B. C., Aytur, S. A., & Robin, D. A. (2021). Network Analysis of Induced Neural Plasticity Post-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain. BRAIN SCIENCES, 11(1). doi:10.3390/brainsci11010010
Lyn, R., Aytur, S., Davis, T. A., Eyler, A. A., Evenson, K. R., Chriqui, J. F., . . . Brownson, R. C. (2013). Policy, Systems, and Environmental Approaches for Obesity Prevention: A Framework to Inform Local and State Action. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE, 19, S23-S33. doi:10.1097/PHH.0b013e3182841709
Evenson, K. R., Aytur, S. A., & Borodulin, K. (2009). Physical Activity Beliefs, Barriers, and Enablers among Postpartum Women. JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH, 18(12), 1925-1934. doi:10.1089/jwh.2008.1309
Rodriguez, D. A., Aytur, S., Forsyth, A., Oakes, J. M., & Clifton, K. J. (2008). Relation of modifiable neighborhood attributes to walking. PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, 47(3), 260-264. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2008.02.028
Aytur, S. A., Rodriguez, D. A., Evenson, K. R., Catellier, D. J., & Rosamond, W. D. (2007). Promoting active community environments through land use and transportation planning. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROMOTION, 21(4), 397-407. doi:10.4278/0890-1171-21.4s.397
SADEH, A., ACEBO, C., SEIFER, R., AYTUR, S., & CARSKADON, M. A. (1995). ACTIVITY-BASED ASSESSMENT OF SLEEP-WAKE PATTERNS DURING THE 1ST YEAR OF LIFE. INFANT BEHAVIOR & DEVELOPMENT, 18(3), 329-337. doi:10.1016/0163-6383(95)90021-7
Most Cited Publications