Mary M. Step

Academic Profile

Dr. Mary M. Step is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Kent State University's College of Public Health. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Kent State University and completed postdoctoral training in cancer prevention at Case Western Reserve University.

Research Focus

Her work examines health messaging related to behavioral risk factors including tobacco use and HIV prevention. Research spans clinical communication processes, social media messaging analysis, and mobile health interventions. She has secured funding from ACS, HRSA and NCI for projects improving health communication in clinical and digital contexts.

Current Projects

Collaborates with MetroHealth Hospital on Positive Peers - a social media-based mobile app intervention supporting young people with HIV. Research shows the app helps users process intersectional stigma and improves viral suppression rates compared to non-users.

Teaching

Teaches social science courses to undergraduates, graduate students, and clinicians, with emphasis on mentoring undergraduate research. As a KSU alum, she maintains strong ties to Northeast Ohio communities.