He has shown that perceptions of increased risk lead people to practice behaviors that protect their health, such as getting vaccinated or screened, but anticipating regret over a bad decision can be the most powerful motivator of all.

 

A Carolina faculty member since 2004, Brewer also has studied how people make sense of the often-confusing health information they receive from medical tests.

 

 

"Dr. Brewer's accomplishments are extraordinary," Earp said. "His research thus far is felt in many spheres and is recognized admiringly by the most respected scientists in the field."

 

The award, named for Phillip and Ruth Hettleman, recognizes the achievements of outstanding junior tenure-track faculty or recently tenured faculty. Phillip Hettleman, born in 1899 and reared in Goldsboro, N.C., earned a scholarship to attend UNC. He later moved to New York City, where he founded Hettleman & Co., a Wall Street investment firm, in 1938. He established the faculty award in 1986.

 

UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health contact: Ramona DuBose, director of communications, (919) 966-7467 or ramona_dubose@unc.edu.