User:June Lemen/sandbox/Laura Punnett

Laura Punnett, ScD is Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. She is Distinguished University Professor for Work Environment (2013 - 2016) and Co-Director of the Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW) at UMass Lowell CPH-NEW is a joint interdisciplinary initiative of the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the University of Connecticut. CPH-NEW conducts research to evaluate the health benefits, obstacles and cost effectiveness of workplace programs that integrate occupational health and safety with other measures to enhance worker well-being.

Dr. Punnett is an expert on musculoskeletal CPH-NEW's own studies examine musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and mental health outcomes; the underlying role of work organization; and the importance of worker involvement in program design and implementation. Pilot projects have addressed a wide range of topics, including the interaction of work and non-work risk factors; opportunities, resources, and obstacles to workplace change; and incorporating occupational health into mainstream public health programs at the state and local levels. The Center offers research-based program tools and guidance to employers, unions, health professionals and policy makers to promote a worker-centered approach to safety and well-being.

Laura has been heavily involved in NIOSH.