Overview of the Center for the Study of Tobacco (CST)

As the central hub for tobacco-related research in the state, the Center for the Study of Tobacco (CST), serves as a focal point for research, training and translational activities that aim to address tobacco use, tobacco exposure, and the tobacco-related disease burden in Arkansas communities, the nation, and beyond.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable and premature deaths and disability and harms nearly every organ in the body. Tobacco use kills nearly half of all its users and causes tobacco-related conditions and diseases such as low birth weight babies, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung diseases. Tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes/vaping devices, hookahs, pipes, heated tobacco products, and other emerging products are addictive and harmful to children and adults.

Mission

The mission of the CST is to engage multiple disciplines in conducting collaborative and innovative research designed to inform public health policies and enhance interventions to reduce tobacco use of any kind.

Vision

To create a world where the costs of tobacco use and exposure and social-environmental factors that contribute to them are no longer a burden to individuals, population groups, or communities.

 

The overarching priorities of the CST are

  • Infrastructure development and sustainability
  • Integration and innovation in research
  • Teaching, training, and mentoring future leaders
  • Translation and dissemination

 

The CST seeks to fill significant research gaps related to tobacco use and exposure in Arkansas by building synergy among faculty, students, community partners, and other stakeholders. The CST has several ongoing initiatives such as the Tobacco and Related Diseases Working Group, the Pilot Study Program, and the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Mentored Fellowship. In addition, courses are offered by faculty to train the next generation of tobacco researchers and practitioners.

 

For more information, please contact:

Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Professor and Director, Center for the Study of Tobacco
Department Health Behavior and Health Education
Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
4301 West Markham Street, Room 6201B, #820
Little Rock, AR 72205
Tel: 501-526-2294
Fax: 501-526-6709
Email: pfagan@uams.edu