Sharon Ross

Dr. Sharon Ross is an Associate Professor of Health & Human Development at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, with a dual appointment as Assistant Professor of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences in the Graduate School of Public Health. She directs the Latino Family Health Laboratory and specializes in community-engaged research addressing health equity, physical activity, and obesity prevention in Latino populations. Her work bridges academia and practice, emphasizing culturally responsive interventions and policy advocacy.

Education:

• PhD in Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Children’s Physical Activity Research Group, University of South Carolina

Research Focus: Dr. Ross investigates social determinants of health, maternal and child health, and the role of physical activity in reducing health disparities. Her projects often involve partnerships with Latino communities, leveraging promotoras (community health workers) to design sustainable interventions. Recent studies explore obstetric violence, breastfeeding barriers, and the cognitive benefits of physical activity in school-aged children.

Grants & Awards:

• $4 million in grants from NIH, CDC, and others
• Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine
• ACSM Strategic Health Equity Committee member

Teaching: Courses on health equity, program evaluation, and research methods, integrating community insights to foster socially just solutions.

Labs/Teams: Latino Family Health Laboratory focuses on culturally grounded interventions for emerging Latino communities, addressing physical activity, nutrition, and health literacy.