Hayley Curran, MPH
Program Manager / Research Administration Management Analyst 1
The Ohio State University
Q: Please describe your current position and research interests.
A: I serve as a Program Manager for Dr. Keller-Hamilton's Lab. My research interests include oral nicotine pouch (ONP) uptake among current tobacco users and non-users and studying tobacco use patterns in Appalachian and rural regions. My professional interests also include process improvement-related projects, writing and editing, providing top-tier experiences to our research participants, and training new staff.
Q: What do you think is an emerging issue related to nicotine and tobacco?
A: An emerging issue is the study and regulation of ONPs. Keeping these products out of the hands of non-users while encouraging existing tobacco users looking to reduce their tobacco and nicotine intake is a tricky balance, and I’m excited to support Dr. Keller-Hamilton’s research involving ONPs.
Q: What advice or tips would you offer to new nicotine and tobacco researchers?
A: I would recommend new researchers remain curious and willing to say “yes” to new opportunities. Some of my favorite tasks are projects that were initially outside of my skillset. Additionally, providing participants with a great research experience, including getting to know participants, their motivations to participate, and inviting feedback, is important to me, and has, in my experience, paid off. Our research would not be possible without a lot of things, but would especially not be possible without participants being willing to say “yes” to us and our requests.
Q: How did you first become interested in nicotine and tobacco research?
A: I am from an extremely rural area, my husband is from an Appalachian region of Ohio, and I now live in a rural area. Every day, I see first-hand the disparities experienced by those from Appalachia and rural regions in Ohio. I was drawn to Dr. Keller-Hamilton's research because of her focus in these regions and am very interested to see how ONPs can either alleviate or further exacerbate the burden of tobacco and health-related disparities unique to these regions.
Q: Describe one of your projects related to nicotine and tobacco research and why you are proud of the project.
A: A project that was not only an academic highlight but also a career highlight was my work preparing my culminating thesis project for the Master of Public Health program.
Leveraging data collected from our recent moist snuff cohort, I had chance to write about plasma nicotine findings related to ONP and moist snuff use, prepare a presentation, and defend my thesis. The opportunity to help with all aspects of the study, including study start up procedures, study visits and, finally, writing my thesis, which included reviewing and understanding study data and pulling together current research in the field, was incredibly impactful for me and my professional goals.
Q: What do you do in your spare time (what are your hobbies)?
A: Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and pets. You can usually find me working on projects around the house or exploring local parks and nature preserves.