Dr. DelNero engages in community-focused activities to improve health and address the needs of cancer patients. His research focuses on implementation science for cancer prevention and control in Arkansas. Among other projects, he collaborates with the oncology social work team to conduct research that responds to issues that affect our communities, including residents of rural and persistent poverty areas. Together, these projects provide ancillary support services to financially-qualified cancer patients, including assistance with food, transportation, and lodging. Dr. DelNero’s expertise includes biomedical engineering, community engagement, and implementation science. He also has experience with geographic information systems (GIS) and data visualization.
Education
MPH – Public Health, Harvard University
PhD – Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University
MS – Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University
BE – Chemical Engineering, Vanderbilt University
Research Interests
Cancer Control & Population Sciences
Recent Publications
1. DelNero P, Schootman M, Peng C, Saini M, Hallgren E, Laryea J, Li C. Colorectal cancer survival disparities in persistent poverty areas. J Rural Health. 2025 Jun; 41(3):e70045. PMID: 40629554.
2. Hallgren E, DelNero P, Owsley K, Strahan K, Allen JL, Amick BC, Schootman M. Cancer burden in persistent poverty areas across the cancer continuum: A scoping review to identify gaps and opportunities for future research. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2025 Oct 29. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-25-0598. PMID: 41159938.
3. Hallgren E, Yeary KHK, DelNero P, Johnson-Wells B, Purvis RS, Moore R, Loveless S, Shealy K, McElfish PA. Barriers, facilitators, and priority needs related to cancer prevention, control, and research in rural, persistent poverty areas. Cancer Causes Control. 2023 Dec; 34(12):1145-1155. PMID: 37526781.
4. Korn AR, Walsh-Bailey C, Correa-Mendez M, DelNero P, Pilar M, Sandler B, Brownson RC, Emmons KM, Oh AY. Social determinants of health and US cancer screening interventions: A systematic review. CA Cancer J Clin. 2023 Sep-Oct; 73(5):461-479. PMID: 37329257.