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M. Courtney Hughes and Raymond Guo review their work together.

L. Raymond Guo, a Health Sciences doctoral student in the College of Health and Human Sciences, was recognized as the Best Doctoral Student Paper Award winner by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Preventing Chronic Disease journal.

“Receiving this award affirms the importance of my research and reinforces my passion for making a tangible impact in public health,” said Guo, who currently works as a health science specialist for the V.A. St. Louis Health Care System. “It acknowledges the dedication and investment of our team, led by my mentor, Dr. M. Courtney Hughes. Our collective efforts to understand public health disparities and leverage data science models to address these issues have been an inspiring and collaborative journey.”

The winning paper, “Geospatial Hot Spots and Cold Spots in US Cancer Disparities and Associated Risk Factors, 2004–2008 and 2014–2018,” identified factors with the strongest influence on creating hot spots and cold spots, including unemployment, preventable hospital stays, mammography screening and high school education. Guo and his fellow authors highlighted the need for targeted interventions and policies that address limited access to health care and its associated risk factors.

“I hope this research helps others recognize the profound impact of social determinants of health and regional disparities on cancer mortality,” Guo said. “By identifying cancer mortality hot spots and their associated risk factors, this study provides actionable insights for public health practitioners and policymakers.”

Before entering NIU’s Ph.D. in Health Sciences program, Guo earned his bachelor’s degree in biology science from Shanghai Normal University, master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from East China University of Science and Technology, and another master’s degree in statistics from Washington University in St. Louis. He plans to graduate with his Ph.D. in Health Sciences in August 2025.

“The Ph.D. program has been a wonderful experience that has equipped me with the interdisciplinary knowledge, research skills, and professional integrity needed to address critical challenges in health sciences,” Guo said. “The program’s mission to foster innovation and professional excellence is reflected in every aspect, from its rigorous training to its emphasis on collaboration and communication.”

Learn more about the Ph.D. in Health Sciences program at NIU at myniu.com/healthsciences