Dr. Willi L. Tarver is a distinguished Assistant Professor in the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at The Ohio State University, where he leverages his interdisciplinary expertise to address disparities in healthcare delivery and cancer outcomes. With a strong foundation in public health informatics, behavioral oncology, and medical library sciences, Dr. Tarver’s research focuses on integrating patient-reported outcomes (PROs), electronic tools, and equity-focused interventions to better engage underserved populations in the cancer care continuum. His professional trajectory includes advanced fellowships in behavioral oncology and medical informatics, and he is actively involved in federally funded research projects. Dr. Tarver is also deeply committed to mentoring students and early-career professionals, especially from underrepresented backgrounds. His scholarly work addresses systemic issues in healthcare access and aims to develop scalable, tech-based strategies to reduce disparities. In addition to research and teaching, he plays key roles in administrative and clinical improvement initiatives within OSU’s Quality Improvement Hub. Dr. Tarver’s growing leadership within national organizations, innovative approach to equitable cancer prevention, and consistent focus on translating research into real-world applications position him as a leader in academic medicine and public health. He is a compelling nominee for the Best Researcher Award.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Tarver’s educational background reflects a unique and valuable combination of public health, information science, and communication, which together form the backbone of his interdisciplinary research. He earned his Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he was also a recipient of the prestigious NCI Diversity Supplement under the Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program. Prior to this, he completed dual Master’s degrees in Public Health (MPH) and Library and Information Science (MLIS) at the University of South Florida. His foundational undergraduate training includes a B.A. in Communication from Columbus State University and an A.S. in Pre-Pharmacy from Gordon College. Dr. Tarver further sharpened his expertise through two postdoctoral fellowships: one in Behavioral Oncology at Indiana University and another in Medical Informatics at the VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. These fellowships provided him with advanced training in clinical research, data analytics, and healthcare system improvement. His broad and deep academic background allows him to bridge clinical research, informatics, and patient-centered interventions—a combination that has enabled his innovative work in cancer disparities and technology-enhanced health solutions.
Professional Experience
Dr. Tarver’s professional journey is defined by a blend of academic, clinical, and administrative roles that support his contributions to cancer prevention, health equity, and public health informatics. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control within the Department of Internal Medicine at The Ohio State University, he has held this role since 2019. Prior to this appointment, he was a postdoctoral and informatics fellow at the Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. During his time at the VA, Dr. Tarver contributed to the Center for Health Information and Communication, refining his expertise in applying informatics to support equitable healthcare delivery. His professional roles also extend into quality improvement, where he co-led the Health Equity Core at OSU’s Quality Improvement Hub from 2022 to 2024. Dr. Tarver is an active mentor in OSU’s Center for Cancer Health Equity Summer Research Program, guiding underrepresented students in impactful, community-focused projects. In addition, he participates in institutional governance as a member of OSU’s Innovation Council. Across his roles, he has demonstrated consistent leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes through equitable and data-driven approaches.
Research Interests
Dr. Tarver’s research is driven by a deep commitment to eliminating disparities in cancer prevention and control through the integration of technology, public health, and clinical practice. His primary interest lies in the development and evaluation of patient-centered technologies—particularly electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) tools—to better engage underserved populations and inform health system decision-making. His projects explore how these tools can be tailored to the unique needs of minority communities, improve cancer survivorship planning, and enhance real-time communication between patients and providers. Another major area of interest is health equity, where Dr. Tarver investigates the impact of perceived discrimination, systemic biases, and cultural barriers on cancer care utilization and outcomes. Additionally, he is involved in research that evaluates educational interventions designed to reduce STEM-related biases in high school learning environments. Through his interdisciplinary work, Dr. Tarver aims to generate actionable insights that not only contribute to academic knowledge but also guide policy reforms and clinical practices. His interests span behavioral oncology, implementation science, and medical informatics, positioning him at the forefront of translational research that impacts patient lives while advancing health equity on a systemic scale.
Research Skills
Dr. Tarver possesses a robust skill set in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, which he applies to projects at the intersection of health equity, informatics, and cancer prevention. He is highly experienced in designing and analyzing patient-reported outcomes (PROs), particularly within underserved and minority populations. His expertise includes conducting structured interviews, participant observation, and systematic reviews—skills he actively shares as a guest lecturer in OSU’s Public Health Informatics course. Dr. Tarver is also proficient in research related to intervention development and evaluation, including randomized trials and implementation science frameworks. His grant-writing capabilities are demonstrated by his role as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I) on several federal and institutional research awards. He collaborates across disciplines, including clinical medicine, education, behavioral science, and information systems, to build comprehensive research designs. Additionally, he has applied informatics tools for data visualization, regulatory decision-making, and game-based learning assessments. These skills empower him to execute complex, multilevel projects with real-world applicability and high translational value. His research toolkit is complemented by strong mentorship abilities, fostering new talent and promoting equity-focused research within academic and clinical settings.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Tarver has received multiple prestigious honors that reflect his academic excellence, research promise, and commitment to advancing health equity. He was honored with the Young Investigator Award at the VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, recognizing his early-career contributions to cancer prevention research. His selection for the VA Advanced Fellowship in Medical Informatics further highlights his potential as a leader in data-driven health solutions. As a fellow in Behavioral Oncology at Indiana University, he gained national recognition for his work integrating psychological, behavioral, and technological approaches to patient-centered care. Notably, he was a recipient of the Diversity Supplement from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) through the University of Alabama at Birmingham, affirming his focus on minority health and health disparities. Earlier in his academic journey, he was awarded the ALSTARS Scholarship at the University of South Florida for academic merit and leadership. These accolades not only reflect his dedication to research excellence but also underscore the national recognition he has received for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in health equity, cancer care, and public health education.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Willi L. Tarver stands out as an exceptionally well-rounded and impactful academic professional whose contributions significantly advance the fields of cancer prevention, public health informatics, and health equity. His ability to bridge research, mentorship, education, and clinical innovation uniquely qualifies him for the Best Researcher Award. Through interdisciplinary training, funded research projects, and active mentorship, Dr. Tarver continues to address real-world health disparities and improve patient outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. His track record as a Principal Investigator and collaborator on diverse research grants highlights his leadership and collaborative capabilities. Moreover, his mentorship of minority students and involvement in institutional quality improvement initiatives reflect a long-term investment in both people and systems. With a growing portfolio of honors, active society memberships, and educational contributions, Dr. Tarver is positioned for continued excellence and recognition in the academic and public health communities. His work exemplifies the values of translational research, social impact, and scientific integrity, making him a deserving and distinguished candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Publications Top Notes
1. Family structure and risk behaviors: the role of the family meal in assessing likelihood of adolescent risk behaviors
📅 Year: 2014
✍️ Authors: S. Goldfarb, W.L. Tarver, B. Sen
📰 Psychology Research and Behavior Management, pp. 53–66
📈 Citations: 83
2. The use of cancer-specific patient-centered technologies among underserved populations in the United States: systematic review
📅 Year: 2019
✍️ Authors: W.L. Tarver, D.A. Haggstrom
📰 Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(4), e10256
📈 Citations: 68
3. Growth dynamics of patient-provider internet communication: trend analysis using the Health Information National Trends Survey (2003 to 2013)
📅 Year: 2018
✍️ Authors: W.L. Tarver, T. Menser, B.W. Hesse, T.J. Johnson, E. Beckjord, E.W. Ford, et al.
📰 Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(3), e109
📈 Citations: 56
4. A systematic review of the association between family meals and adolescent risk outcomes
📅 Year: 2015
✍️ Authors: S.S. Goldfarb, W.L. Tarver, J.L. Locher, J. Preskitt, B. Sen
📰 Journal of Adolescence, 44, pp. 134–149
📈 Citations: 56
5. Exploring disparities and variability in perceptions and self-reported colorectal cancer screening among three ethnic subgroups of US Blacks
📅 Year: 2010
✍️ Authors: C.K. Gwede, C.M. William, K.B. Thomas, W.L. Tarver, G.P. Quinn, et al.
📰 Oncology Nursing Forum, 37(5), 581
📈 Citations: 51
6. A randomized trial to compare a tailored web-based intervention and tailored phone counseling to usual care for increasing colorectal cancer screening
📅 Year: 2018
✍️ Authors: V.L. Champion, S.M. Christy, W. Rakowski, W.G. Gathirua-Mwangi, W.L. Tarver, et al.
📰 Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 27(12), 1433–1441
📈 Citations: 35
7. The impact of health information technology on cancer care across the continuum: a systematic review and meta-analysis
📅 Year: 2016
✍️ Authors: W.L. Tarver, N. Menachemi
📰 Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 23(2), 420–427
📈 Citations: 35
8. Perceptions of colorectal cancer among three ethnic subgroups of US blacks: a qualitative study
📅 Year: 2011
✍️ Authors: C.K. Gwede, E. Jean-Francois, G.P. Quinn, S. Wilson, W.L. Tarver, K.B. Thomas, et al.
📰 Journal of the National Medical Association, 103(8), 669–680
📈 Citations: 35
9. Allostatic load: a framework to understand breast cancer outcomes in Black women
📅 Year: 2021
✍️ Authors: S. Obeng-Gyasi, W. Tarver, R.C. Carlos, B.L. Andersen
📰 NPJ Breast Cancer, 7(1), 100
📈 Citations: 34
10. Factors associated with adherence to mammography screening among insured women differ by income levels
📅 Year: 2018
✍️ Authors: W. Gathirua-Mwangi, A. Cohee, W.L. Tarver, A. Marley, E. Biederman, et al.
📰 Women’s Health Issues, 28(5), 462–469
📈 Citations: 34