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Jarod Giger is an associate professor at the Ê×Ò³| Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, School of Social Work, where he has been a faculty member since 2022. A fifth-generation farmer and first-generation college graduate, he brings a profound connection to rural and underserved communities, which has deeply influenced his over a decade of practical social work experience.

From 2015 to 2021, Giger served on the Editorial Board of The Journal of Rural Health, playing a pivotal role in advancing research, practice, and policy related to rural health. During his tenure, he contributed to numerous impactful publications and initiatives that addressed critical issues in rural healthcare access and quality. From 2018 to 2021, Giger held the esteemed Vernon Wiehe Excellence in Social Work Endowed Professorship at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. His contributions to interprofessional education were recognized in 2019 with his induction as an Associate of the University of Kentucky Center for Interprofessional Health Education.

Giger earned his doctoral degree in social work from the University of Missouri School of Social Work in 2010. During his doctoral studies, he gained interdisciplinary experience at the University of Missouri College of Engineering Interdisciplinary Center for Eldercare and Rehabilitation Technology. His postdoctoral fellowship at the National Rural Health Association in 2012 focused on pioneering policy analysis in tele-health and tele-medicine, particularly addressing cross-state licensure opportunities and challenges.

In 2016, Giger was one of seventeen scholars selected for the Johns Hopkins University summer research institute on developing behavioral interventions, further cementing his expertise in multidisciplinary and community-based research. His work in community development, research methodology, eHealth literacy, and subjective well-being has led to significant advancements in both academic and applied settings, influencing policy and improving outcomes in diverse communities.

Building on his robust foundation in social work and research, Giger has recently expanded his expertise by earning a Business Analytics Science Certificate from UNLV. This program provided him with advanced skills in data analysis, data modeling, and data visualization, including proficiency in tools like Tableau and SQL. His comprehensive understanding of strategic business analytics now enhances his ability to apply data-driven approaches to social work research and practice, enabling him to lead innovative projects that leverage big data for social good.