Jonathan K Noel
Professor, Director of Master of Public Health Program College of Health & Wellness Department of Health Science Providence
Biography
The first exposure that Jonathan Noel, Ph.D., M.P.H. had to public health was during an internship with the Connecticut Department of Public Health. For a summer, he assisted with the development of a plan to counteract pandemic flu. Jon— an undergraduate at the time — offered advice that could impact thousands, hundreds of thousands, and even millions of lives.
After that internship, he was hooked. Jon’s public health career has gone in many directions since that first encounter, but he has never gotten over the awe that a single decision made by only a few individuals can influence the lives of so many.
After finishing his undergraduate degree, Jon enrolled in a Master of Public Health program. There, he was involved in alcohol- and substance use-related projects. The most influential project was evaluating alcohol marketing shown on television. Determining how corporations market dangerous consumer products became a serious research interest, and he has since completed numerous research projects that evaluated how marketing influences alcohol use and what policies are most effective are mitigating those effects, including how AI influences the decision-making process.
Although Jon has spent the majority of his time researching alcohol and alcohol policy, his research interests vary widely and have included tobacco, illicit drugs, environmental health, cancer, maternal and child health, mental health, behavioral addictions, gender studies, disabilities, worker safety, and the social determinants of health.
Jon uses his diverse background and experiences in combination with modern teaching techniques, such as team-based learning, project-based learning, and inquiry-based learning, to teach the next generation of health science and public health professionals.
Education
PhD, University of Connecticut
Public Health
MPH, University of Connecticut
Public Health
BS, University of Connecticut
Molecular & Cellular Biology/Biological Sciences
“High schoolers are placing sports bets online. Experts warn of growing risks of addiction..” Noel, J. (July 10, 2026)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/10/metro/underage-gambling-risks-sports-betting-in-teens/
“The High-Alcohol Drink Taking Over Gen Z: BuzzBallz.” Noel, J. (April 10, 2026)
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/10/style/buzzballz-gen-z-alcohol-cocktail.html
Rhode Island Public Health Association
Massachusetts Public Health Association
Kettil Bruun Society for Social and Epidemiological Research on Alcohol
American Public Health Association
Connecticut Public Health Association
Jacob, S. & Gately, K. & Noel, J. & Rosenthal, S. (2026). Internet gaming disorder and prescription drug misuse: Associations by student status. (Journal Article).
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 23(3), 386.
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/23/3/386
Noel, J. & Dilley, J. & Milne, J. & Masse, S. & Haley, S. (2026). Youth Digital Alcohol Marketing Surveillance (Y-DAMS): Assessing content on two social media platforms across 20 alcohol brands. (Journal Article).
Alcohol & Alcoholism, 61(3), agag022.
https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/alcalc/agag022
Noel, J. & Nosal, A. & Gately, K. & Rosenthal, S. (2025). Associations between restrictive masculinity and depression across sexual and gender identities. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 108(6), 11-15.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2025/06/2025-06-11-riyas-noel.pdf
Noel, J. & Gately, K. & Bradford, C. & Canadas, H. & Rosenthal, S. (2025). Brain injury and problem gambling among Rhode Island young adults. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 108(6), 28-32.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2025/06/2025-06-28-riyas-noel.pdf
Noel, J. & Strong, S. & Sammartino, C. & Gately, K. & Rosenthal, S. (2025). Effects of delaying healthcare on mental health of college students. (Journal Article).
College Student Affairs, 43(1), 82-101.
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1477116
Noel, J. & Jacob, S. & Hicks, S. & Gately, K. & Rosenthal, S. (2025). Insomnia and pornography addiction in Rhode Island young adults. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 108(6), 16-21.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2025/06/2025-06-16-riyas-noel.pdf
Noel, J. & Morais, M. & Nosal, A. & Gately, K. & Ramsland Short, K. & Rosenthal, S. (2025). Measuring restrictive masculinity: Development and implementation within university students. (Journal Article).
Social Sciences, 14(2), 106.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/2/106
Noel, J. & Jacob, S. & Borden, S. & Gately, K. & Rosenthal, S. (2025). Method of accessing alcohol and binge drinking status in youth and young adults. (Journal Article).
Alcohol & Alcoholism, 60(1), agae087.
https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article/60/1/agae087/7930327
Noel, J. & Strong, S. & Millier, S. & Gately, K. & Rosenthal, S. (2025). Period poverty and mental health among students attending a US university. (Journal Article).
Journal of American College Health, 73(10), 3813-20.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07448481.2024.2449419
Rosenthal, S. & Oliviera, L. & Avila, A. & Gately, K. & Barkley, J. & Ahamiojie, J. & Noel, J. (2025). The behavioral health harms of youth exposure to gun violence: A Rhode Island example. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 108(6), 39-44.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2025/06/2025-06-39-riyas-rosenthal.pdf
Noel, J. & Rosenthal, S. & Edwards, Z. & Palmieri, K. (2024). Digital alcohol and cannabis ads, consumption frequency, and driving under the influence. (Journal Article).
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 85(4), 468-476.
https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.23-00319
Noel, J. & Rosenthal, S. & Jacob, S. (2024). Internet, app-based, and casino gambling: Associations between modality, problem gambling, and substance use. (Journal Article).
Journal of Gambling Studies, 40(3), 1-14.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-024-10284-9
Noel, J. & Rosenthal, S. & Torres, J. & Gately, K. & Borden, S. (May 18, 2024). Driving after substance use in Rhode Island adolescents: A cross-sectional analysis of surveillance data. (Journal Article).
Traffic Injury Prevention, 25(4), 562-570.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15389588.2024.2335317
Noel, J. & Tudela, S. & Rosenthal, S. (March, 2024). Sexual minority status, illicit drug use, and depressive symptoms. (Journal Article).
Journal of LGBT Youth, 21(3), 490-506.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19361653.2023.2187918
Rosenthal, S. & Noel, J. & Skierkowski-Foster, D. & Gately, K. & Borden, S. (February, 2024). Perceived parent and peer substance use disapproval and perceptions of harm among youth before and after COVID-19 lockdowns. (Journal Article).
Journal of Substance Use, 1-6.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2024.2312384
Noel, J. & Rosenthal, S. & Jacob, S. (February 5, 2024). Internet, App-Based, and Casino Gambling: Associations Between Modality, Problem Gambling, and Substance Use. (Journal Article).
Journal of Gambling Studies, 40(3), 1-14.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-024-10284-9
Rosenthal, S. & Sonido, P. & Sammartino, C. & Swanberg, J. & Noel, J. (2023). Brain injury and substance use in young adults: The need for integrating care. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 106(3), 17-22.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2023/04/2023-04-17-yamhc-rosenthal.pdf
Noel, J. & Rosenthal, S. & Skierkowski-Foster, D. & Borden, S. (2023). Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on substance use among middle school and high school students: A natural experiment. (Journal Article).
Public Health Reports, 138(2), 349-56.
https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549221138856
Noel, J. & Jacob, S. & Swanberg, J. & Rosenthal, S. (2023). Pornography: A concealed behavior with serious consequences. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 106(3), 42-7.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2023/04/2023-04-29-yamhc-noel.pdf
Rosenthal, S. & Noel, J. & Edwards, Z. & Sammartino, C. & Swanberg, J. (2023). Risk factors for suicide ideation among Rhode Island college students. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 106(3), 23-8.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2023/04/2023-04-42-yamhc-rosenthal.pdf
Lutz, T. & Fereira, K. & Noel, J. & Bruder, M. (2023). Secondary analysis of one state’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) data by Individualized Education Program (IEP) status. (Journal Article).
Disability and Health Journal, 16(1), 101393.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2022.101393
Noel, J. & Sammartino, C. & Johnson, M. & Swanberg, J. & Rosenthal, S. (2023). Smartphone Addiction and Mental Illness In Rhode Island young adults. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 106(3), 35-41.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2023/04/2023-04-35-yamhc-noel.pdf
Rosenthal, S. & Tobin, A. & Drammeh, A. & Swanberg, J. & Noel, J. (2023). The mental health burden of racial discrimination in young adults in Rhode Island. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 106(3), 23-8.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2023/04/2023-04-23-yamhc-rosenthal.pdf
Swanberg, J. & Rosenthal, S. & Benitez, A. & Noel, J. (2023). The mental health consequences of losing a loved one to COVID-19. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 106(3), 11-6.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2023/04/2023-04-11-yamhc-swanberg.pdf
Swanberg, J. & Rosenthal, S. & Benitez, A. & Noel, J. (April (2nd Quarter/Spring), 2023). The Mental Health Consequences of Losing a Loved One to COVID-19. (Journal Article).
R I Medicine Journal, 106(3), 11-16.
Noel, J. & Rosenthal, S. (November 11, 2023). Impact of alcohol home delivery and other methods of obtaining alcohol in young adults. (Journal Article).
Alcohol and Alcoholism, 58(6), 606-611.
https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agad035
Noel, J. & Serna, F. (2022). Alcohol cravings and engagement with alcohol content on social media. (Journal Article).
Addiction Research & Theory, 31(3), 184-90.
Rosenthal, S. & Sonido, P. & Tobin, A. & Sammartino, C. & Noel, J. (2022). Breaking down barriers: Young adult interest and use of telehealth for behavioral health services. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 105(1), 26-31.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2022/02/2022-02-26-contribution-rosenthal.pdf
Noel, J. & Rosenthal, S. & Sammartino, C. (2022). Correlates of gambling and gambling problems among Rhode Island young adults: A cross-sectional study. (Journal Article).
Journal of Public Health, 45(2), e164-e170.
Background: Numerous states in the USA have legalized sports betting due to recent legal decisions by the US Supreme Court. Here, sociodemographic correlates of current gambling and specific gambling activities associated with symptoms of gambling problems were identified. Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from the 2020 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey (RIYAS). RIYAS participants (n = 540) were a convenience sample of 18 to 25 year olds who lived in Rhode Island for at least part of 2020. Data were collected from May to October 2020. Four gambling activities were assessed (i.e. sports betting; betting on races; gaming tables at a casino; poker machines at a casino). Logistic regression models assessed main effects. Results: 22.4% engaged in one or more gambling activities. 11.5% of participants had any gambling problems. Odds of gambling activities were higher among men; Black, Indigenous, People of Color; older young adults; and essential workers. Odds of gambling problems were 2.4 times higher among participants who engaged with sports betting. Conclusions: Gambling activities are common among several population subgroups, and participation in sports betting may be a risk factor for the development of problem gambling. Comprehensive prevention policies are needed.
Noel, J. (2022). Effects of alcohol policy on depression, thoughts of self-harm, and suicide attempts in European adolescents. (Journal Article).
The Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics, 25(2), 53-60.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-38424-002
Rosenthal, S. & Wensley, I. & Noel, J. (2022). Eliminating Disparities in Young Adult Tobacco Use: The Need for Integrated Behavioral Healthcare. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 105(2), 38-42.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2022/03/2022-03-38-contribution-rosenthal.pdf
Noel, J. & Rosenthal, S. & Sammartino, C. (2022). Exposure to alcohol marketing and alcohol-related consequences in young adults. (Journal Article).
Substance Use & Misuse, 57(7), 1156-9.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2022.2063894
Noel, J. & Tudela, S. & Jacob, S. & Rosenthal, S. (2022). Gambling: A ubiquitous behavior among Rhode Island’s young adults. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 105(3), 46-50.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2022/04/2022-04-46-contribution-noel.pdf
Noel, J. & Jacob, S. & Wensley, I. & Rosenthal, S. (2022). Subjective smartphone screen time and co-morbid mental illness. (Journal Article).
Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 7(4), 578-87.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-09760-013
Noel, J. & Lakhan, H. (2021). Changing alcohol cravings using social media comments. (Journal Article).
Substance Use & Misuse, 56(3), 377-87.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2020.1868518
Noel, J. & Lahkan, H. & Sammartino, C. & Rosenthal, S. (2021). Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in First Generation College Students. (Journal Article).
Journal of American College Health, 1-10.
https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2021.1950727
Rosenthal, S. & Pearlman, D. & Field, M. & Sammartino, C. & Noel, J. (2021). Inequities laid bare: The mental health of young adults in Rhode Island during the covid-19 pandemic. (Journal Article).
Rhode Island Medical Journal, 104(10), 36-41.
http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2021/12/2021-12-36-contribution-rosenthal.pdf
Namazi, S. & Dugan, A. & Fortinsky, R. & El Ghaziri, M. & Barnes-Farrell, J. & Noel, J. & Cavallari, J. & Shaw, W. & Cole, W. & Cherniack, M. (2021). Traumatic Incidents at Work, Work-to-Family Conflict, and Depressive Symptoms Among Correctional Supervisors: The Moderating Role of Social Support. (Journal Article).
Occupational Health Science, 5, 493-517.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41542-021-00098-1
Noel, J. (2021). Using social media comments to reduce alcohol purchase intentions: an online experiment. (Journal Article).
Drug and Alcohol Review, 40(6), 1047-55.
https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.13262
Seidenberg, A. & Hong, W. & Liu, J. & Noel, J. & Rees, V. (November, 2013). Availability and range of tobacco products for sale in Massachusetts pharmacies. (Journal Article).
Tobacco Control, 22(6), 372-375.
https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2012-050591
“A Mindfulness Meditation Intervention in a Public Health Class: Student Outcomes and Future Directions,” Johnson and Wales University, Providence. (2025).
University Scholarship and Best Practices Expo 2025, “Academic achievement in students lacking basic needs,” JWU, Providence, RI, United States. (2025).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Alcohol use associated with childcare and adult care responsibilities in corrections officers,” American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, United States. (2025).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Associations between home delivery alcohol purchase behaviors and marketing exposures,” American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, United States. (2025).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Bullying victimization, perpetration and mental health outcomes: Findings from the Rhode Island Student Survey,” American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, United States. (2025).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Examining depressive disorders and COPD as occurring co-morbidities in veterans: A BRFSS analysis,” American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, United States. (2025).
Faculty Expo, “Mindfulness Intervention in a public health class: Student Outcomes, Practical Strategies & Future Directions,” Johnson and Wales University, Providence. (2025).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “The impact of the legalization of sports betting on gambling behaviors in Rhode Island young adults: Findings from the Rhode Island Young Adult Survey,” American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, United States. (2025).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Use and risk perceptions of psychedelics in young adults: Findings from the 2022 and 2024 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey,” American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, United States. (2025).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Youth Digital Alcohol Marketing Surveillance (Y-DAMS): Digital alcohol advertising exposure among young adults, ages 18-20,” American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, United States. (2025).
Advancing Primary Care: Innovating for a Sustainable Future, Care Transformation Collaborative, Providence, Rhode Island, “Examining the Relationship Between Insurance And HIV/AIDs Screening Using the 2022 BRFSS Dataset.,” Care Transformation Collaborative, Providence, Rhode Island, Providence, RI, United States. (November 25, 2025).
The 4th International Symposium to Advance Total Worker Health, “A review of evidence of workplace interventions designed to foster inclusion for neurodiverse employees: A systematic review.,” National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Society for Total Worker Health, Bethesda, MD, United States. (October 21, 2025).
The 2025 American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo, “Examining depressive disorders and COPD as occurring comorbidities in veterans: A BRFSS analysis,” American Public Health Association, Washington DC, DC, United States. (October 21, 2025).
Student Research, Design, & Innovation Symposium, “Examining the association between depressive disorders and COPD in veterans,” Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, United States. (April 1, 2025).
JWU EXPO 2025, “Association between Food Insecurity and Mental Health among University Students,” Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI. (February 14, 2025).
American Public Health Association Meeting and Conference, “Alcohol as a coping tool for job stress and burnout in correction officers,” American Public Health Association, Minneapolis, MN, United States. (2024).
American Public Health Association Meeting and Conference, “Identifying university locations for screening and brief intervention implementation,” American Public Health Association, Minneapolis, MN, United States. (2024).
University Scholarship and Best Practices Expo 2024, “Prevalence of basic needs insecurities in university students,” Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI. (2024).
American Public Health Association Meeting and Expo, “Perceived childhood safety and adult participation in HIV screening.,” American Public Health Association, Minneapolis, MN, United States. (November, 2024).
Occupational Health and Safety Research Symposium, “Correctional employee discrimination, work-family conflict, and sleep,” Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, Worcester, MA, United States. (January, 2024).
Occupational Health and Safety Research Symposium, “Examining Associations Between Depressive Disorders and COPD in Veterans,” Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, Worcester, MA, United States. (January, 2024).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Driving after non-medical prescription drug use: Prevalence and correlates in Rhode Island adolescents,” American Public Health Association, Atlanta, GA. (2023).
Johnson & Wales University Scholarship and Best Practices Expo, “Gambling and sports betting in university students: The effect of advertising,” Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI. (2023).
Johnson & Wales University, Student Research, Design, & Innovation Symposium;, “The Mental Health Consequences of Losing a Loved One to COVID-19.,” Providence, RI. (2023).
Rhode Island Public Health Association 2023 Inaugural Public Health Conference, “The Mental Health Consequences of Losing a Loved One to COVID-19.,” Warwick, RI. (2023).
Rhode Island Public Health Association 2023 Inaugural Public Health Conference, “Brain Injury and Substance Use in Young Adults: The Need for Integrating Care.,” Providence. (April, 2023).
Rhode Island Public Health Association 2023 Inaugural Public Health Conference, “Brain Injury and Substance Use in Young Adults: The Need for Integrating Care.,” Providence. (April, 2023).
Johnson & Wales University, Student Research, Design, & Innovation Symposium, “Brain Injury and Substance Use in Young Adults: The Need for Integrating Care.,” Providence. (April, 2023).
Johnson & Wales University, Student Research, Design, & Innovation Symposium, “Factors for Suicide Ideation Among College Students in Rhode Island,” Providence. (April, 2023).
Rhode Island Public Health Association 2023 Inaugural Public Health Conference, “Factors for Suicide Ideation Among College Students in Rhode Island,” Providence. (April, 2023).
Johnson & Wales University, Student Research, Design, & Innovation Symposium, “Pornography: A Concealed Behavior with Serious Consequences.,” Providence. (April, 2023).
Rhode Island Public Health Association 2023 Inaugural Public Health Conference., “Pornography: A Concealed Behavior with Serious Consequences.,” Providence. (April, 2023).
Rhode Island Public Health Association 2023 Inaugural Public Health Conference, “Smartphone Addiction in Rhode Island Young Adults: A Pathway to Poor Mental Health.,” Providence. (April, 2023).
Johnson & Wales University, Student Research, Design, & Innovation Symposium, “Smartphone Addiction in Rhode Island Young Adults: A Pathway to Poor Mental Health.,” Providence. (April, 2023).
Rhode Island Public Health Association 2023 Inaugural Public Health Conference, “The Mental Health Burden of Racial Discrimination in Young Adults,” Providence. (April, 2023).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Adverse Childhood Experiences in Rhode Island: A Closer Look,” American Public Health Association, Boston, MA. (2022).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Assessing the college alcohol policy landscape: A student-driven legal epidemiology project,” American Public Health Association, Boston, MA. (2022).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Changes in substance use and availability among Rhode Island youth related to COVID-19 lockdowns: A natural experiment,” American Public Health Association, Boston, MA. (2022).
Alcohol Policy 19, “Developing a public health surveillance system for evaluating alcohol policies at a Native American Community: Applications and Implications,” US Alcohol Policy Alliance, Arlington, VA. (2022).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Perceived Parent-, Peer-, and Self-Perceptions of Substance Use Harm among Rhode Island Youth Before and After COVID-19 Lockdowns,” American Public Health Association, Boston, MA. (2022).
Alcohol Policy 19, “Potential changes to advertised alcohol prices after implementing minimum unit pricin,” US Alcohol Policy Alliance, Arlington, VA. (2022).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Recent trends and disparities in traumatic brain injuries in Rhode Island,” American Public Health Association, Boston, MA. (2022).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Smartphone Screen Time and Co-morbid Mental Illness in University Students,” American Public Health Association, Boston, MA. (2022).
Johnson & Wales University Faculty Showcase, “Sports betting among Rhode Island young adults: A cross-sectional study,” Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI. (2022).
Annual Alcohol Epidemiology Symposium of the Kettil Bruun Society, “Self-reported alcohol topography, past alcohol use history, and current alcohol cravings,” Kettil Bruun Society, Helsinki, Finland. (2021).
Work, Stress, and Health 2021 Virtual Conference, “Association of perceived discrimination at work and depressive symptoms among correctional employees: Assessing the moderating role of sex, race/ethnicity, and job tenure.,” American Psychological Association. (November, 2021).
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition, “Changing alcohol purchase intentions using social media comments,” American Public Health Association. (2020).