CHATS Lab and Core

Communicating for Health in Appalachia by Translating Science (CHATS)

Vision

Creating shared knowledge about the most effective ways to communicate science to support positive health behaviors

Merging Research and Practice

We blend complementary expertise in communication science and health behavior theory (CHATS Lab) with knowledge translation and dissemination science (CHATS Core) to transform scientific evidence into actionable communication interventions targeted to diverse real-world settings.

Our integrated model is novel because it bridges research and practical application which is referred to as translational communication.

This graphic illustrates the continuous relationship between the CHATS Lab and CHATS Core using an infinity loop in blue and yellow. The left side of the loop represents the CHATS Lab, with “CHATS Lab” labeled above. Surrounding the outside of this loop are the terms “Multilevel Intervention Design,” “Health Behavior Science,” and “Communication Science,” highlighting the Lab’s scientific foundation. Inside the loop, four phrases describe the Lab’s core functions: “Generates actionable evidence,” “Designs theory-informed strategies,” “Tests communication interventions,” and “Drives communication research.”

The right side of the loop represents the CHATS Core, with “CHATS Core” labeled above. Along the outside edge are the terms “Dissemination Science,” “Knowledge Translation,” and “Applied Communication,” which reflect the Core’s focus on translating research into real-world practice. Inside the loop, four phrases summarize the Core’s activities: “Translates research into practice,” “Designs for audiences,” “Delivers creative solutions,” and “Accelerates research impact.” An arrow in the center connects the two loops, symbolizing the dynamic and iterative exchange between generating scientific evidence and applying it to improve communication and health outcomes.

For questions or more information, please contact our team:

Abby Starkey, MS
CHATS Lab and Core Manager

Dannell Boatman, EdD, MS
Principal Investigator for CHATS Lab and Core

Amy Allen, MA MS
Director of Research Integration, Department of Cancer Prevention & Control