Julia R Varnes,
MPH Program Director, Clinical Associate Professor
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About Julia R Varnes
Julia R. Varnes, PhD, MPH, MCHES is the director of the Master of Public Health Program for the College of Public Health and Health Professions, and a Clinical Associate Professor with the Department of Health Services Research, Management, and Policy as well as faculty within the Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration. She is also an affiliate professor with the Center for Gender, Sexualities, and Women’s Studies Research. Dr. Varnes received her PhD in health behavior, with a minor in research and evaluation methodology, from the University of Florida. Dr. Varnes holds two masters degrees, one in health education (UF), and one in public health (University of Maryland, College Park).
Dr. Varnes has worked in college health at UF for nearly 20 years, first as a public health practitioner with UF’s Area Health Education Program (AHEC) and later with GatorWell Health Promotion Services. She joined UF as faculty in 2014, and joined the College of PHHP in 2021. Dr. Varnes is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), and also a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).
Dr. Varnes’s research and academic interests are specific to interpersonal violence, objectification, and gender role expectations; inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities; and professional preparation. In her teaching, advising, and mentoring, she aims to empower others and emphasizes compassion, acceptance, and cultural competency in future professionals.
Accomplishments
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Ann E. Nolte Writing Award
Foundation for the Advancement of Health Education
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Teacher of the Year
University of Florida
Teaching Profile
Courses Taught
Board Certifications
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Master Certified Health Education SpecialistNCHEC
Research Profile
Areas of Interest
- Body image
- Health risk behaviors
- Inclusivity and accessibility
- Interpersonal violence
- Objectification
- Professional preparation
- Sociocultural influences on health and well-being
Publications
Academic Articles
Presentations
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Strategies and interventions used to prevent violence against sex workers within the social-ecological model: A scoping review
National / Refereed. [Symposium]. American Public Health Association, Boston, MA
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Emergency department care-seeking among deaf and hard-of-hearing patients: A qualitative study
National / Refereed. [Symposium]. American Public Health Association, Boston, MA
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Sexual violence service providers’ perceptions of sex work and readiness to respond to sex workers: A qualitative study
National / Refereed. [Poster]. American Public Health Association, Boston, MA
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What does a transformed world without violence against sex workers look like?’: A qualitative analysis of sex workers organizations’ discussions of violence on Twitter
National / Refereed. [Poster]. American Public Health Association, Atlanta, GA
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Online public health student needs assessment & resource improvement plan
National / Refereed. [Poster]. Association of Schools & Programs in Public Health, Arlington, VA
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Gun Violence Prevention Summit
State / Invited. [Keynote]. City of Gainesville, Gainesville, FL
Education
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PhD Health Behavior
University of Florida
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Master of Public Health
University of Maryland, College Park
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Master of Health Science Education
University of Florida
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Bachelors of Science, Health Science Education
University of Florida
Contact Details
- Business:
- (352) 294-5382
- Business:
- jrvarnes@ufl.edu
- Business Mailing:
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PO BOX 100185
College of Public Health & Health Professions
GAINESVILLE FL 32610 - Business Street:
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College of Public Health & Health Professions
1225 Center Drive, HPNP Room 4033
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
GAINESVILLE FL 32611