Kathryn Lancaster

Kathryn Lancaster, PhD, MPH is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on reducing health disparities among marginalized populations, including those engaged in sex work and people who use drugs. She examines interventions addressing intersections of gender, substance use, and blood-borne/sexually transmitted infections. Dr. Lancaster previously served as Principal Investigator for studies in Malawi and currently leads a NIDA-funded K01 award investigating gender dynamics and HIV/HCV risk among young women.

Education:

• PhD in Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health (2015)
• MPH in Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (2009)
• BS in Veterinary Science, University of Arizona (2007)

Research Interests:
Dr. Lancaster’s work integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to design evidence-based interventions. She has pioneered discrete choice experiments to assess preferences for HIV prevention services, particularly among female sex workers. Her current NIDA-funded research explores how gender power dynamics influence access to HIV/HCV services.

Grants & Advising:

• Principal Investigator of NIDA K01 award (HIV/HCV risk interventions)
• Previously led mixed-methods study on PrEP preferences in Malawi

Affiliations:

• IeDEA Substance Use Working Group
• Ohio State University Profile