About
Gerald Schafer arrived at Carroll College in January 2014, after completing a Ph.D. degree in Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. He has undergraduate degrees in biology and music (piano) and an M.S. in Biology from Walla Walla University. He previously taught high school in his native Canada and at Asia-Pacific International University in Thailand.In Pittsburgh, Gerald was involved in translational research based on the Diabetes Prevention Program, a large clinical trial that demonstrated that moderate lifestyle changes were more effective than drugs in delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes. The goal of Pittsburgh project was to evaluate an adaptation of these approaches in a variety of community settings. Gerald’s particular interest was the out-of-pocket expenses faced by participants in the interventions for things like food and activity, as well as the time spent on activities related to the program.
His research interests at Carroll include the development of diabetes prevention projects that provide opportunities for students to be involved in improving health and lifestyle in the Helena community and beyond.
As a teacher, Gerald’s most important goal is to help students see the connections between how people live and the impact on their health, on individual and community levels.
Gerald enjoys cooking and exploring ethnic cuisine with his wife. They are members of local choirs, as well as organic farmers. He also enjoys international travel, running, hiking, and Scrabble.