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Research Centers and Laboratories

OU-Tulsa Research
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Research Centers and Laboratories

Culinary medicine combines evidence-based dietary guidelines for disease prevention and treatment with the practical culinary skills needed to transform foods into healthy meals. The OU Culinary Medicine teaching model leverages the expertise of a chef, registered dietitian, and physician, who guide learners through our Culinary CuresTM curriculum, which teaches the fundamentals of a whole foods, plant-based diet using hands-on cooking experiences in small groups. Learners include healthcare students, physicians, and community members. Research primarily focuses on the effectiveness of culinary medicine on nutrition literacy, health behavior, and disease management outcomes. We also conduct research with community food providers to implement and evaluate the benefits of healthy food systems change. 

The Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI) at OU-Tulsa advances and supports early childhood programming and policies by generating, disseminating, and applying meaningful research.

As a growing research institute focused on young children (birth to age 8) in early childhood programs, we have conducted a variety of program evaluation projects, worked with many state and national partners, and impacted policy and programming decisions.  We are currently developing our own lines of research in addition to maintaining our program evaluation projects.  

Haruv USA at OU-Tulsa brings together the unique expertise and international leadership of the Haruv Institute in Jerusalem with the research-based educational knowledge and expertise of OU-Tulsa and the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work.

An initiative of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, Haruv USA focuses on comprehensive, inter-professional education and training for students and professionals who touch the lives of children. Haruv USA also focuses on research for the identification, prevention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect, with an emphasis on underserved children and families.

The Hope Research Center team brings real-world perspectives and solutions to assist community and nonprofit organizations, policymakers, and program providers.

Our research provides a basis for better decision making in the nonprofit sector and empowers nonprofits to accomplish their missions more effectively. Our expertise in the development of measurable outcomes, the conduct of program evaluations, and community needs assessments, are key to strategic planning and execution of goals and objectives. 

The Integrative Immunology Center serves our community of researchers by providing advanced laboratory support and specialized expertise.

The threefold mission of the Integrative Immunology Center is to: facilitate interdisciplinary research in community medicine focused on understanding the long-term biological effects of psychosocial and physical stress, deliver educational support and specialized expertise in the field of immunology to the Tulsa community, and provide state-of-the art core laboratory services for faculty and students engaged in translational research.

The Office for Research Development and Scholarly Activity (ORDSA) is available to support OU-TU School of Community Medicine faculty, residents, and students in their research and scholarly endeavors.

Services include:

  • Individualized research consulting
  • Research study design and methodology
  • Specialized funding searches
  • Sponsored grant assistance for research coordinators
  • Statistical analysis support

  • The Oklahoma Center for Education Policy (OCEP) is a resource for the State of Oklahoma and its education policy makers at the state, district, community and school levels.

    OCEP’s mission integrates the resources of The University of Oklahoma with the needs of the community, especially those associated with education and poverty.

    At the OU-TU School of Community Medicine, our research faculty and staff are dedicated to advancing scientific discovery as well as enhancing our community and the lives of our citizens through collaborative, multi-disciplinary research. 

    In addition to furthering science and serving our community, the OU-TU School of Community Medicine research team is committed to engaging students and residents to instill the importance of research and educate future generations of scholars, community leaders, and clinicians. 

    Since 1988, the University of Oklahoma Urban Design Studio has focused on a three part mission: to train urban design professionals through master’s degree programs in architecture and urban studies, to advance understanding of the city through research and creative activity, to engage in community projects benefiting Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma.

    The Urban Design Studio is always looking for promising students and community partners. We invite you to join us.