Innovative Cancer Awareness, Research, and Education (iCARE) Lab
Bridging cancer education gaps through innovation.
Welcome to the University of North Dakota’s Innovative Cancer Awareness, Research, and Education (iCARE) Lab. Our research team is dedicated to advancing cancer prevention and health promotion through innovative research, education, and community engagement. Through interdisciplinary research, community partnerships, and evidence-based education, we aim to improve cancer awareness, promote healthy behaviors, and translate scientific research into meaningful public health action.
By working alongside communities, healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers, we strive to reduce cancer disparities and create sustainable solutions that improve health outcomes locally, nationally, and globally. We collaborate with research and community partners in Brazil, Nigeria, India, and Kenya to advance innovative cancer prevention and health promotion research across diverse populations and settings globally.
Vision
To create healthier communities through community-engaged education and research that empower individuals to make informed decisions and reduce their risk of cancer.
Mission
The iCARE Lab conducts innovative, community-engaged research and education to prevent cancer and promote health. Through work in tobacco control, environmental and occupational health, health promotion, and cancer education, we partner with communities to translate evidence into meaningful action and reduce the burden of cancer locally and globally.
Focus Areas
Tobacco Control
Our work in tobacco and nicotine regulatory science focuses on understanding and reducing the use of tobacco and emerging nicotine products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, smokeless tobacco, and other novel products. We examine the behavioral, social, environmental, and commercial factors that influence product initiation, use, dual/poly-use, switching, and cessation across diverse populations.
Environmental and Occupational Exposures
We examine environmental and workplace exposures that contribute to cancer risk, with a particular focus on pesticides, heavy metals, and other harmful environmental contaminants. Our research seeks to understand how these exposures affect vulnerable populations and to develop evidence-based strategies that reduce harmful exposures, promote healthier environments, and prevent cancer.
Health Promotion
We promote healthy behaviors that reduce cancer risk and improve overall well-being, with a focus on healthy eating, regular physical activity, and engagement in preventive health services, including recommended cancer screening programs. Our research develops, implements, and evaluates interventions that empower individuals and communities to adopt and sustain healthy behaviors. We use dissemination and implementation science to evaluate the adoption, implementation, and effectiveness of evidence-based interventions for cancer prevention and health promotion.
Cancer Education
We develop and evaluate innovative educational strategies and outreach programs that improve cancer literacy and promote informed health decisions. Using community-based participatory approaches, we engage community members as partners in raising cancer awareness, reducing knowledge gaps, and promoting evidence-based cancer prevention practices.
Funding
American Association for Cancer Education. READS Grants Program. Beyond Survival: Exploring Breast Cancer Equity and Survivorship in Brazil. 2026-2027.
- priyanka.ravi@UND.edu
- Assistant Professor of Public Health Education | Department of Education, Health, & Behavior Studies | College of Education and Human Development
- tanis.walch@UND.edu
- Professor & Program Director, Public Health Education | Interim Department Chair, Education, Health & Behavior Studies | College of Education and Human Development
- shawnda.schroeder@UND.edu
- Director of Curriculum and Course Design & Assistant Professor, Department of Indigenous Health | School of Medicine & Health Sciences
- Macharia, P., Block Ngaybe, M. G., Ravi, P., Moraa, H., Hamzazai, W., Moikobu, B., et al. (2026). Perspectives of adolescents and young people on digital health intervention. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0005611
- Ravi, P. (2026, May 27). Unmasking the appeal: Protecting youth from nicotine and tobacco addiction [Invited webinar presentation]. Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center (MPATTC), Virtual.
- Ravi, P. (2026, May 13). Innovative Cancer Awareness, Research, and Education (iCARE) Lab initiative [Oral presentation]. Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Working Group Meeting, Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network, Virtual.
- Ravi, P. (2026, March 1–3). Occupational Exposure to Pesticides and Toxic Metals among Women Beedi Workers in Mysore, India [Poster presentation]. 2026 Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network Annual Meeting, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
- Ravi, P. (2025, October 7–10). Photovoice in tobacco control research: A systematic review [Poster presentation]. 2025 International Cancer Education Conference, Memphis, TN, United States.
Student Opportunities
Students are a vital part of the iCARE Lab. We welcome undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who are passionate about community-based cancer research, education, and community engagement activities. Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, engage with community partners, develop research skills, present at conferences, contribute to publications, and make a meaningful impact on cancer prevention efforts.
To express your interest in joining the lab, please email the Lab Director with a brief description of your program (major and minor), research interests, career goals, and why you would like to become involved with the iCARE Lab.
Community Engagement
At the iCARE Lab, we believe that meaningful cancer prevention starts within communities. We work collaboratively with non-profit community organizations, faith-based organizations, and public health agencies to ensure that research and education efforts are culturally responsive, community-driven, and sustainable.