Chris Blanchette is the associate dean for research and public engagement in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS). He will maintain his status as a research associate professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences.
As the associate dean for research and public engagement, Blanchette will provide leadership to advance the college’s research agenda, including crafting the college’s first comprehensive strategic plan for research, which will include the development of key community and health care industry partnerships. In addition, Blanchette will work to improve pre- and post-award systems in the college, will strengthen communication and cross collaboration with research and economic development and other University colleges and will develop and deliver programs and identify opportunities to enhance faculty research competitiveness and capacity.
“This is a crucial time for our faculty to be involved and play a vital role in community health, health care and patient outcomes research, and Chris’ expertise, energy and commitment to excellence will take our vision for research to the next level,” said Nancy Fey-Yensan, CHHS dean.
Blanchette completed a Ph.D. in health services research and a master’s degree in epidemiology and preventive medicine from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and he earned three degrees from UNC Charlotte (a master’s in sociology and bachelor’s in history and psychology). He also completed an executive MBA program and a graduate certificate program in clinical research management from Duke University.
In addition, Blanchette has experience in the health care industry; he served in a variety of research positions associated with health economics and health outcomes research with Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc., IMS Health, GlaxoSmithKline, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute and Premier Inc. Blanchette has authored more than 45 publications in peer-reviewed journals, and he maintains participation in scientific peer review and leads 30-plus research projects.