Robyn Gershon

Clinical Professor of Epidemiology

Professional overview

Dr. Gershon is an interdisciplinary occupational and environmental health and safety researcher with extensive experience in the areas of disaster preparedness, healthcare safety, and risk assessment and management in high-risk work occupations. She earned her doctorate in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, where she was on faculty for several years.  

Subsequently, Dr. Gershon was a Professor at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, with a joint appointment in the School of Nursing.

At the Mailman School, she also served as the Associate Dean for Research and was the Director of the Mentoring Program. Her most recent faculty appointment prior to joining NYU GPH was Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She was also an Adjunct Professor in the UCSF School of Nursing, as well as at UC Berkeley where she taught public health disaster courses.

Dr. Gershon and her team conducted numerous ground breaking studies to develop and test new metrics of preparedness. Importantly, Dr. Gershon’s work has influenced the adoption of safe work practices and regulatory control measures, such as national needlestick prevention guidelines and high-rise building fire safety laws. Her numerous research studies encompass a wide range of topics, including, (to name a few): bloodborne pathogen exposure; hospital safety climate; psychosocial work stress in law enforcement; “ability and willingness” of essential workforce employees to report to duty during natural and man-made disasters; preparedness of responders for terrorist incidents; emergency high–rise building evacuation- (including the World Trade Center Evacuation Study); emergency preparedness of the elderly and disabled; mass fatality management infrastructure in the US; adherence to emergency public health measures among the general public;  hearing loss risk in subway ridership; and noise exposure in urban populations.

Dr. Gershon recently completed a four-year, longitudinal intervention NIH-funded study on motivation and persistence in pursuing STEM research careers among underrepresented doctoral students. (the BRIDGE Project). 

As a committed advocate for junior faculty and graduate students, Dr. Gershon will play an active role in research mentorship and advisement. 

Education

BS, Medical Technology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

MHS, Medical Microbiology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

DrPH, Environmental and Occupational Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Honors and awards

Recipient, American Society of Safety Engineers, Membership Award, Oakland, CA (2016)

Recipient, John L. Ziegler Capstone Mentor Award, Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (2015)

Recipient, City of New York Fire Commissioner's Special Commendation Certificate of Appreciation (2006)

Recipient, Survivors' Salute, World Trade Center Survivors' Network (2006)

Recipient, Annual International Sharps Injury Prevention Award (2005)

Delta Omega (Public Health) Honorary Society (1997)

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Microbiology) (1976)

Lambda Tau Mu Honor Society (Laboratory Science) (1976)

Areas of research and study

Disaster Health

Disaster Impact and Recovery

Disaster Preparedness

Environmental Public Health Services

Epidemiology

Healthcare Safety

Occupational Health

Risk Assessment and Management

Publications

Publications

Safety climate in healthcare settings

DeJoy, D. M., Murphy, L. R., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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The influence of employee, job/task, and organizational factors on adherence to universal precautions among nurses

Dejoy, D. M., Murphy, L. R., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Journal title

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Volume

16

Issue

1

Page(s)

43-55

10.1016/0169-8141(94)00075-E

Abstract

Abstract

Universal precautions (UP) refer to recommended work practices designed to help prevent occupational exposure to HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne pathogens in health care settings. However, despite widespread dissemination of UP guidelines and subsequent government regulatory action, worker adherence remains less than satisfactory. The present study used hierarchical, multiple regression analysis to examine the relative influence of four sets of factors on worker adherence to UP: demographics, personal characteristics, job/task factors, and organization-level factors. Data were analyzed on a sample of 451 nurses employed at a large U.S. medical center. Consistent with the general hypothesis of the study, job/task and organization-level factors were the best predictors of adherence. Using the results from the study, a heuristic model of the adherence process is proposed that highlights the contributions of job hindrances and organizational safety climate to UP-related behavior. A three-pronged intervention strategy is also presented that emphasizes (1) the availability and accessibility of personal protective devices, (2) the reduction of UP-related job hindrances and barriers, and (3) improvements in safety performance feedback and related communications. Given the preliminary nature of this study, several recommendations for future research are also offered.

A case study in improving safety management

Flanagan, W., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Abstract

Abstract

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Correlates of attitudes concerning human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among hospital workers

Gershon, R., Curbow, B., Kelen, G., Celantano, D., Lears, K., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

AJIC: American Journal of Infection Control

Volume

22

Issue

5

Page(s)

293-299

10.1016/0196-6553(94)90016-7

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Correlates of attitudes related to HIV and AIDS for both clinical and nonclinical support hospital workers have not been well described. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among employees of an acute care, inner-city hospital to assess attitudes related to HIV and AIDS. Results: A 51% response rate was obtained, with completed questionnaires obtained from 321 clinical workers and 245 nonclinical workers. The proportions tolerant of patients with HIV infection were 83% and 78%, respectively. Factors associated with a tolerant attitude in clinical workers included personally knowing someone with AIDS, high scores on general AIDS knowledge, high knowledge scores on modes of transmission, low levels of fear, and accurate perceptions of occupational risk. In nonclinical workers, factors associated with tolerance included having been tested for HIV, personally knowing someone with AIDS, accurate perceptions of occupational risk, low levels of fear, high scores on general AIDS knowledge, and high knowledge scores on modes of transmission. Conclusions: Although the study was cross-sectional, the data suggest potentially modifiable factors associated with AIDS-related attitudes. These factors may be amenable to intervention among both clinical and nonclinical support hospital employees.

Universal precautions : An update

Gershon, R., Gershon, R. R., Karkashian, C., & Felknor, S. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Heart and Lung: Journal of Critical Care

Volume

23

Issue

4

Page(s)

352-358

Abstract

Abstract

Universal precautions, the set of work practice recommendations designed to help minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, have been shown to be effective. However, lack of compliance with these recommendations has been well documented, both before and after the enactment of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Current issues, including occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus, percutaneous exposures and lack of compliance are discussed in this article.

Safety in the clinical microbiology laboratory

Richardson, J., & Gershon, R. (n.d.). (2nd ed.).

Publication year

1993

Abstract

Abstract

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TB control in the hospital environment.

Gershon, R., Gershon, R. R., McArthur, B. R., Early, E. T., & Grimes, M. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Journal title

Healthcare facilities management series

Page(s)

1-33

Abstract

Abstract

Tuberculosis is again on the rise in the United States. Several outbreaks of TB in hospitals have heightened interest in the development and use of mechanisms that prevent the spread of this airborne pathogen. Controlling the spread of TB to hospital patients, workers, and others can be accomplished through various administrative engineering and design controls, and infection control programs, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The hazard of TB is real, but workers, patients, and visitors can be protected by implementing programs that guard against the diseases spread in the hospital environment.

Assessing and reducing HIV risk to the critical care nurse

Gershon, R., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Abstract

Abstract

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Laboratory safety

Gershon, R., & Salkin, I. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Abstract

Abstract

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Risk of HIV-1 transmission in the workplace

Gershon, R., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Abstract

Abstract

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HIV infection risk to health-care workers

Gershon, R., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal

Volume

51

Issue

12

Page(s)

A-802-A-806

10.1080/15298669091370329

Abstract

Abstract

The risk of occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in exposed health-care workers has been estimated to be 0.5% after accidental needlestick with an HIV-contaminated needle. Needlestick injuries resulting in parenteral exposure to HIV-infected material are the most common reported cause of occupational HIV infection in health-care workers. With 60% of these exposures unpreventable even with strict adherence to current infection control procedures, it is necessary to develop technical changes in work protection in order to further reduce the risk.

HIV infection risk to nonhealth-care workers

Gershon, R., Gershon’, R. M., Vlahov, D., & Nelson’, K. E. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal

Volume

51

Issue

12

Page(s)

A-807-A-809

10.1080/15298669091370338

Abstract

Abstract

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The risk of transmission of HIV-1 through non-percutaneous, non-sexual modes - A review

Gershon, R., Vlahov, D., & Nelson, K. E. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

AIDS

Volume

4

Issue

7

Page(s)

645-650

10.1097/00002030-199007000-00006

Abstract

Abstract

To date, three well-documented modes of transmission of HIV-1 (sexual, percutaneous and perinatal) have been described. Although the theoretical possibility exists for HIV-1 transmission through other routes, including non-percutaneous, non-sexual modes often referred to as 'casual' contact (and several anecdotal reports suggest this possibility), there is no credible epidemiological evidence to support this. Fourteen combined surveys, with over 750 individuals with potential exposure through non-percutaneous, non-sexual modes of contact, have failed to find a single case of HIV-1 infection (upper bound of 95% confidence interval = 0.40%), indicating that the risk of transmission by non-percutaneous, non-sexual modes is remote. Given the emotionally charged concerns about transmission of an infection which may end fatally in a high proportion of affected individuals, critical review of the low probability of transmission through non-percutaneous, non-sexual modes is important so that preventive efforts can be focused appropriately.

Occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection: a review

Gershon, R., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Abstract

Abstract

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Training health care workers to meet the new OSHA HBV/HIV proposed standard

Gershon, R., Fleming, D., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Abstract

Abstract

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Sharps handling.

Gershon, R., & Gershon, R. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1985

Journal title

Journal of healthcare materiel management

Volume

3

Issue

5

Page(s)

111-114

Abstract

Abstract

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AIDS. Safety practices for clinical and research laboratories

Gershon, R., Federico, J. V., & Gershon, R. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1984

Journal title

Infection Control

Volume

5

Issue

4

Page(s)

185-187

10.1017/S0195941700059191

Abstract

Abstract

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Microenvironmental immunoregulation: possible role of contrasuppressor cells in maintaining immune responses in gut-associated lymphoid tissues.

Gershon, R., Green, D. R., Gold, J., & Gershon, R. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

1982

Journal title

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Page(s)

889

Abstract

Abstract

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Comparison of work-related injuries and illnesses in New York City transit workers from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: preliminary findings

Cziner, M., Hawkins, D., Rosen, J., Merdjanoff, A. A., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Abstract

Abstract

Comparison of work-related injuries and illnesses in New York City transit workers from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: preliminary findings. Presented by PhD student Michael Cziner.

Dual Epidemics of COVID-19 Infection and Workplace Violence in New York City Mass Transit Workers: Implications for Policy and Practice

Gershon, R., Hawkins, D., Cziner, M., Rosen, J., Merdjanoff, A. A., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Abstract

Abstract

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New York City Transit Workers: An Essential Workforce – Addressing Occupational Resilience through Intervention Optimization

Merdjanoff, A. A., Guastaferro, K., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Abstract

Abstract

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Patterns of Assault in New York City Transit Workers Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Findings

Cziner, M., Hawkins, D., Rosen, J., AlMohammad Ali, D., Merdjanoff, A. A., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Abstract

Abstract

Patterns of Assault in New York City Transit Workers Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Findings. Authors: Michael Cziner, Devan Hawkins, Jonathan Rosen, Daliya AlMohammad Ali, Alexis Merdjanoff, Robyn Gershon. Presented by PhD student Michael Cziner.

Role of labor unions in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a survey of union leaders

Gershon, R., Remes, J. A., & Hagen, D. (n.d.).

Abstract

Abstract

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Temporal trends of COVID-19 infections in New York City transit workers during the onset of the pandemic

Cziner, M., Hawkins, D., Rosen, J., Merdjanoff, A. A., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Abstract

Abstract

Presented by PhD student Michael Cziner