Kumi Smith

Kumi Smith is an Associate Professor in the Division of Epidemiology & Community Health at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on health disparities at the intersection of infectious diseases, substance use, and unstable housing, with an emphasis on structural interventions to improve culturally-specific and trauma-informed care for marginalized populations. She has conducted significant international work in China, where she has lived and collaborated for several years.

Education:

• PhD in Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• MPIA in Public and International Affairs, University of California San Diego
• BA in History, Yale University

Research Interests: Kumi specializes in HIV/STI prevention, infectious disease dynamics, intervention science, sexual health equity, and healthcare stigma reduction. Her work bridges clinical practice with structural solutions to address systemic inequities.

Recent Publications: Her studies include analyses of antiviral agents for HIV prevention, syphilis testing interventions, HIV stigma in low-income settings, and global STI trends among PrEP users. These articles highlight her focus on epidemiological modeling, public health policy, and global health disparities.

Contact: smi00831@umn.edu | Phone: 612-301-3051