Ferdinand awarded 2014 AcademyHealth outstanding dissertation

A dissertation on distracted driving by Alva O. Ferdinand, Dr.P.H., J.D., assistant professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health, has been named the 2014 AcademyHealth Outstanding Dissertation. The AcademyHealth Outstanding Dissertation Award honors an exceptional scientific contribution from a doctoral thesis in health services research or health policy.

“Studies on Distracted Driving: Three Papers Examining the State of the Literature and the Impact of Texting Restrictions on Motor Vehicle Crash-Related Fatalities and Hospitalizations,” was completed last year by Ferdinand while pursuing her Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Previously, Ferdinand completed a Juris Doctorate at the Michigan State University College of Law.

She will receive the award during the 2014 AcademyHealth Annual Research meeting held June 8-10 in San Diego, California.