Natoshia M. Askelson, MPH, PhD

Associate Professor, Community and Behavioral Health
Biography

Natoshia M. Askelson, MPH, PhD is an associate professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Community & Behavioral Health with an adjunct appointment in the Health Policy Research Program at the Public Policy Center. Most of her research is focused on rural and micropolitan communities in Iowa, where she conducts studies to better address the health outcomes of diverse groups. Many micropolitan communities in Iowa are new destination communities for migrants, immigrants, and refugees who are seeking employment in Iowa’s agricultural industries. Using a health disparity lens, her work addresses family health - including children and adolescents. She uses mixed methods to document how policies and interventions can influence positive and maladaptive behaviors. Anne Frank’s story provides a unique way for us to understand the experiences of migrant, immigrant, and refugee families and adolescents in rural and micropolitan Iowa.