Research is the primary tool used to inform and advance clinical practice within the US healthcare system and health systems abroad. Research findings catalyze new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of diseases and conditions that threaten the health and well-being of all people. In the field of public health, research drives the development of interventions that improve health outcomes. The ultimate goals of the research process, across development, implementation, and evaluation, is to improve population health. Public health researchers in the UTMB SPPH department of population health and health disparities are key change agents to the process of informing evidence-based practices that can one day improve the health of populations in Texas, our nation, and globally.