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Yzette LanierView profile

Assistant Professor

• Health Promotion
• Disease Prevention
• HIV/AIDS Prevention
• +12 more

Yzette Lanier, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at New York University's Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her research focuses on health promotion and disease prevention in communities of color, particularly among African American adolescents, with an emphasis on preventing HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancy. She employs health equity and strengths-based frameworks to examine how individual, social, and cultural factors shape adolescent sexual decision-making, especially within romantic relationships. Her educational background includes a PhD and MS in Developmental Psychology from Howard University, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Health Equity Research and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in HIV prevention for communities of color. Lanier’s research spans adolescent sexual health, family functioning during pregnancy, depression care disparities, and couple-based HIV prevention. Her recent publications highlight qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to understanding relationship dynamics, community engagement, and intervention development. She has secured significant funding, including a $1.2 million CDC award, and her work often involves human-centered design and community-based participatory research. She is an active contributor to public discourse, with media appearances in outlets like Newsweek. Her scholarly contributions are centered on reducing health disparities through culturally tailored, developmentally appropriate interventions. American Psychological Association American Public Health Association Association of Black Psychologists Society for Research on Adolescence Lanier has been recognized with honors including a Visiting Scholar position at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS at Yale University. She is actively involved in mentoring and training, and she accepts PhD students, indicating her commitment to developing the next generation of public health researchers. Her current active project is the Development and Pilot-testing of a Couple-focused HIV Behavioral Intervention , reflecting her focus on dyadic approaches to sexual health promotion.

Jamie FrankisView profile

Professor

• Health Psychology
• Sexual Health
• Mental Health
• +12 more

Jamie Frankis is a Professor and Reader in Health Psychology in the Department of Nursing at Glasgow Caledonian University, School of Health and Life Sciences. She is actively engaged in research and accepts PhD students. Her work is closely aligned with public health, nursing, and psychological sciences, with a strong focus on marginalized populations. Her research interests include sexual health, mental health, health inequalities, and the well-being of sexual and gender minorities. She investigates issues affecting LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), with a geographic focus on Scotland and other Celtic nations. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being. The most recent articles highlight a consistent focus on HIV prevention (especially PrEP), hepatitis C, peer-led healthcare models, and mental health disparities. Her methodological approach often involves qualitative and mixed-methods designs, with studies conducted in real-world healthcare settings and community contexts. Jamie Frankis has led and collaborated on significant research projects, including the development of an interdisciplinary LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Network for Scotland and studies on peer work in hepatitis C service delivery. She has secured funding from bodies such as the Chief Scientist Office. She actively supervises research and has contributed to nursing practice through editorials and policy-relevant research. Her work emphasizes improving healthcare access, reducing stigma, and implementing evidence-based interventions for vulnerable populations.

Nina HarawaView profile

Professor

• HIV epidemiology
• Prevention
• Testing
• +6 more

Nina Harawa is a Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at both the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health and UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine , with a secondary professorship at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , where she serves as Associate Director of Research for the Drew CARES Center. Her work focuses on holistic interventions for HIV/STI prevention, substance use disorders, and health equity through policy analysis, particularly for sexual/gender minorities and justice-involved populations. Research Interests span HIV epidemiology, prevention, retention in care, sexually transmitted diseases, social determinants of health, incarceration impacts, and health policy reform. As Director of the NIMH-funded Policy Impact Core at UCLA CHIPTS, she leads agent-based modeling of HIV policy effects. She co-leads NIH multi-site studies on post-incarceration HIV care and PrEP access, while founding REACH UCLA Health to address racial disparities in healthcare access. Education includes a PhD and MPH in Epidemiology from UCLA. She has pioneered community partnerships for HIV research among Black/Latina women, transgender communities, and incarcerated populations, with over 20 years of grant-funded work. Her 2017 JAMA Intern Med trial on peer navigation for viral suppression in post-jail populations remains a landmark study.

James M McMahonView profile

Associate Professor

• HIV Prevention
• Implementation Science
• Dissemination Science
• +13 more

James M McMahon is an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester School of Nursing and holds a secondary faculty appointment in the Department of Public Health Science at the School of Medicine and Dentistry. He is the Endowed Chair for Innovation in Health Care and co-director of the Equity-Focused Implementation and Dissemination Science function within the Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSI). He co-founded the Interdisciplinary Sexual Health and HIV Research (INSHHR) group and is actively involved in mentoring and leading large-scale public health research initiatives. PhD in Biological Anthropology, City University of New York, 1999 BA in Anthropology, University of Winnipeg, 1987 McMahon's research focuses on HIV and Hepatitis C prevention among marginalized populations, particularly minority women, heterosexual couples, and substance users. His work integrates behavioral, social, and epidemiological sciences with a strong emphasis on implementation science and biomedical interventions like PrEP. He employs mixed-methods approaches, mathematical modeling, and community-based participatory research to understand syndemics, relationship dynamics, and barriers to prevention. His recent publications highlight a consistent focus on PrEP implementation, sexual health communication, structural and psychosocial barriers to care, and global health disparities. Themes include trust in healthcare, autonomy, violence, and the social determinants of HIV risk. His work spans from the U.S. to Ghana and Malawi, reflecting a global public health perspective. R01 Grant Award, NIH, 2015 NIMH Support, 2014 Josephine Craytor Nursing Faculty Award, 2011 Outstanding Faculty Colleague, UR School of Nursing, 2008 McMahon mentors early-career scientists and serves as a mentor or co-mentor in several KL2 and career development programs. He has advised on studies related to HIV screening, pediatric decision support, and stigma reduction interventions. His collaborative work includes extensive contributions to studies on intimate partner violence, syndemics, and healthcare access. He leads or co-directs core functions in translational science infrastructure, emphasizing equity and rapid response to public health emergencies.

• HIV Epidemiology
• Medical Statistics
• Antiretroviral Therapy Outcomes
• +7 more

Professor Caroline Sabin is a leading academic at University College London's Institute for Global Health, holding the position of Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology. She serves as Director of the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Blood-Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCL, a role she has held since 2014, working in partnership with UK Health Security Agency and community stakeholders to develop extensive research programs addressing national health protection needs. Her educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of London (1995), Master of Science from the University of Leicester (1991), and Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Bath (1988). Professor Sabin has dedicated over 30 years to world-leading HIV research that has directly influenced national and international treatment guidelines. Her research focuses on documenting the global landscape of HIV since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy, with particular expertise in natural history of infection, prognostic markers for disease progression, antiretroviral therapy response, and adverse event identification. Through leadership roles in major cohorts like the D:A:D Study and UK CHIC Study, she has generated critical evidence on cardiovascular risks associated with specific antiretrovirals, late HIV presentation mortality, and HIV's relationship with aging processes. Professor Sabin's publication record exceeds 680 original research articles with over 64,000 citations and an h-index of 124. Her research has attracted over £35 million in grant funding, demonstrating significant translational impact on clinical practice and policy. Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2022) NIHR Senior Investigator Emeritus (since 2015) Author of >680 publications with >64,000 citations Grant income exceeding £35 million Co-author of best-selling textbook "Medical Statistics at a Glance" (63,000+ copies sold) As an educator, Professor Sabin has supervised 22 doctoral students (5 current) and 14 masters/iBSc students. She has developed influential training programs including the annual "Research Methods for HIV Research" course (160+ participants), the Specialist Registrar Intensive Training & Education (SpRITE) course, and the European VOICE Programme. Her textbook with Aviva Petrie has become essential reading for medical students across 89 countries. Through her leadership of the HPRU Academy, she has cultivated the next generation of health protection researchers, many of whom now hold senior positions internationally. Professor Sabin's research unit has conducted critical work during public health emergencies including the COVID-19 pandemic and mpox outbreak, providing responsive-mode support to UKHSA. Her team has developed cost-effectiveness models for screening initiatives and conducted feasibility studies for blood-borne virus testing in novel community settings, demonstrating practical applications of epidemiological research for public health protection.

Vinh-Kim NguyenView profile

Professor

• Medical Anthropology
• Global Health
• HIV/AIDS
• +6 more

Vinh-Kim Nguyen is a Professor at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, where he teaches Social Theory and Medical Anthropology. He also holds appointments in Anthropology and Global Health at the École de Santé publique de l’Université de Montréal and the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme in Paris. A medical anthropologist and physician, he practices Emergency Medicine at the Montréal Jewish General Hospital and has extensive experience in pandemic management, including leading the development of COVID-19 treatment units in 2020. His work spans global health, biopolitics, and the intersection of science and politics in disease eradication. Education : MD and PhD in Anthropology Languages : English, French Vinh-Kim Nguyen's research focuses on medical anthropology , global health , and HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, particularly through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). He examines the social and organizational networks enabling PrEP efficacy in clinical trials and its implementation in African contexts. Other projects include the Inserm/NIH Prevac Ebola Vaccine trial and studies on conflict-driven antimicrobial resistance. His work bridges science and technology studies with health policy , emphasizing equity and ethics. His publications highlight trends in pandemic response , therapeutic citizenship , and the financialisation of pharmaceuticals . Key works include the award-winning An Anthropology of Biomedicine and The Republic of Therapy , which analyze biomedicine’s societal impacts. Recent projects explore the psychedelic renaissance in Switzerland and its global health implications. Scientific awards and honors include the ERC Consolidator Grant for his research on HIV eradication. He also co-founded the Medicine, Anthropology, Theory journal, the first open-access publication in Medical Anthropology. Nguyen has advised the World Health Organization’s Blueprint and Médecins Sans Frontières’ CRASH humanitarian research unit. He coordinates the social science team of the Inserm/NIH Prevac Ebola Vaccine trial and is part of the decentralized LOST research network (Law, Organization, Science and Technology), focusing on critique in global health ethnography.

• Infectious Diseases
• Substance Use
• Vaccines
• +7 more

Dr. Robert Hecht is a Clinical Professor at the Yale School of Public Health and President of Pharos Global Health Advisors . With over 30 years of experience, he has held senior management roles at the World Bank, UNAIDS, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, and Results for Development. Education: PhD in 1981 from Cambridge University BA in 1976 from Yale University Research Interests: Infectious Diseases (HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis) Global Health Policy Health Care Financing Nutrition Interventions Public Health Modeling Stunting Reduction Frameworks Resource Allocation Ethics Publications Trends: Focus on mathematical modeling for disease prevention Health financing transitions in developing countries Cost-effectiveness of malnutrition programs Policy analysis for hepatitis and HIV scale-up Equity-focused frameworks for global health investments Donor coordination strategies Professional Roles: Lecturer at Yale's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs since 2014 Clinical Professor at Yale School of Public Health since 2017 Email Contact: robert.hecht@yale.edu

Jennifer MacDonaldView profile

Research Fellow

• Infection Prevention
• Behavior Change
• Sexual Health
• +3 more

Jennifer MacDonald is a Research Fellow in the Nursing department at Glasgow Caledonian University. She holds a BSc in Psychology from University of Stirling (2006), an MSc in Health Psychology from the same institution (2010), and completed her PhD at GCU in 2017 focusing on condom use intentions among older adults using the Reasoned Action Approach. Her research integrates psychological theories with infection prevention, specializing in behavioral change interventions for sexual health and antimicrobial stewardship. Current projects include optimizing HIV PrEP implementation in Scotland and developing digital health interventions for sexually transmitted infection contact tracing. Publications demonstrate strong focus on digital health solutions, mindfulness interventions for stroke survivors, and antimicrobial stewardship workforce challenges during COVID-19. Her work frequently employs mixed-methods approaches and systematic reviews to inform practical healthcare solutions.

Kathleen BrinegarView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Young adolescent identity development
• Equitable/culturally responsive curriculum design
• Disciplinary literacy
• +2 more

Dr. Kathleen Brinegar serves as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Education within the University of Vermont's College of Education and Social Services, where she coordinates three key programs: Middle Level Education, Advanced Specialties in Educational Practice (MEd), and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Her leadership shapes teacher preparation and advanced education initiatives across Vermont. Her academic credentials include: Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Vermont M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Vermont B.A. in History and English, University of Vermont Dr. Brinegar's research centers on young adolescent identity development, equitable curriculum design, disciplinary literacy, and inclusive pedagogies. She champions culturally responsive approaches that honor marginalized youth identities through identity-focused curriculum integration and motivation studies. Her work bridges theory and practice by examining how school structures impact adolescent engagement, emphasizing student voice and critical consciousness in middle grades settings. Her 15 most recent publications reveal a decisive shift toward social justice imperatives in middle level education. Key trends include analyzing anti-DEI legislation impacts, developing culturally sustaining literacy frameworks, and leveraging technology for student support systems. She simultaneously advances foundational knowledge through studies on school identity, curriculum integration models, and specialized teacher preparation - consistently connecting these strands to equity-centered practice. Notable recognitions include: Outstanding New Community-Engaged Learning Faculty Award, University of Vermont (2025) Multiple Excellence in Advising Awards from Northern Vermont University (2014-2015) VSC Faculty Academic Technology Collaboration Grants (2013-2016, 2019) New England Board of Education Fellowship (2021) As a dedicated advisor, she has received consecutive Excellence in Advising Awards reflecting her commitment to mentoring future educators. Her grant portfolio demonstrates strategic investment in academic technology and faculty development, particularly through multi-year Vermont State Colleges collaborations supporting innovative teaching practices. Dr. Brinegar actively shapes the field through leadership roles as co-editor of Middle School Journal, program chair of AERA's Middle Level Education Research SIG, and member of AMLE's Research Advisory Board - driving national conversations on middle grades research priorities and evidence-based practices.

William PearsonView profile

Professor

• Health Policy
• Healthcare Systems
• Health Services Research
• +3 more

William Pearson is a Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Emory University. He holds a PhD in Health Services Research from the University of South Carolina and an MHA from the Medical University of South Carolina. His research focuses on healthcare systems, health outcomes, and epidemiology, particularly in the context of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and health disparities. Pearson has served as a Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology since 2010 and chaired its Admissions Committee from 2016 to 2018. His work explores rural healthcare challenges, Medicaid policy, telehealth adoption in STI care, and financial sustainability of public health clinics. Key publications analyze STI testing trends, HIV/PrEP integration, and disparities in HIV/STI outcomes across racial and geographic groups.

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Behavioral Sciences
• +3 more

Dr. Mirjam-Colette Kempf is a Professor of Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), holding appointments in the School of Nursing, School of Medicine, School of Public Health, and College of Arts and Sciences. Her primary affiliation is with the Nursing Family, Community & Health Systems department. She holds leadership roles such as Co-PI for the NIH-funded UAB-MS Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) and Director for Faculty Mentoring in the School of Nursing. Education: Master of Public Health in Epidemiology (UAB, 2000) and a Doctorate in Medical Microbiology (Foreign University, 1998). Research focuses on HIV health services, psychosocial barriers to care, healthcare disparities, and intersectional stigma among marginalized populations. She leads studies on women’s health, PrEP implementation, and syndemics involving non-communicable diseases. Her work addresses stigma related to HIV, poverty, body size, and substance use, with an emphasis on improving ART adherence, viral suppression, and mental health outcomes. Recent articles highlight stigma in healthcare settings, cannabis use trends among HIV-positive women, and disparities in SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Collaborations include the WIHS cohort, the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), and the AWARE cohort study. Advising and grants: Mentor to numerous PhD students and leads NIH-funded projects. Involved in initiatives like Project PrEP4Her to integrate PrEP services into gynecologic care for Black cisgender women. Labs/Teams: Active in the Center for AIDS Research, the Women’s Interagency HIV Study, and the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Serves on committees addressing appointment/tenure, telehealth, and minority health.

Gloria Aidoo-FrimpongView profile

Assistant Professor

• Global HIV/AIDS prevention and care
• Immigrant and refugee health
• Health disparities and health equity
• +4 more

Gloria Aidoo-Frimpong is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo. Her research integrates social and implementation science theories with mixed methods to address health disparities in reproductive and sexual health, particularly focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention among immigrant and refugee populations. She utilizes technology-based methods, including WhatsApp, to enhance research engagement. PhD, University at Buffalo MPH and MA, Ohio University BA, African University College of Communications, Accra-Ghana Her work spans HIV prevention, health equity, and technology-driven interventions. Recent publications highlight her emphasis on cultural alignment, digital health tools, and stigma reduction in sub-Saharan African and immigrant communities. She has received a T32 NIMH Postdoctoral Fellowship and has contributed to training needs for HIV prescribers. Her research bridges community-driven solutions with clinical implementation across diverse geographic contexts.

• HIV/AIDS
• Infectious Diseases
• Antiretroviral Therapy
• +4 more

Antonella Castagna is an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Department of Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy. She has held leadership roles including Director of the Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medical School at the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele since 2016. Her research focuses on HIV management, antiretroviral therapy optimization, and drug resistance mechanisms. She leads the ICONA cohort and the PRESTIGIO registry, studying multidrug-resistant HIV cases. Castagna has authored 314 peer-reviewed publications (H-index 24) and maintains academic roles in medical education, including teaching infectious diseases to medical students and residents. Education & Early Career: 1985-1987: Medical Doctor, Infectious Diseases Clinic, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan 1988-1992: Fellow at University of Chicago Neuroimmunology Lab and Karolinska Institute 1992-2001: Head of Unit at San Raffaele Hospital's Infectious Diseases Department Research Interests: HIV virology, antiretroviral pharmacology, drug resistance dynamics, and clinical outcomes in multidrug-resistant patients. Specializes in real-world treatment efficacy, cardiovascular comorbidities, and vaccine implementation in HIV populations. Key Contributions: Her work bridges clinical practice and research, emphasizing: Development of resistance testing protocols Optimization of second-line therapies Public health strategies for HIV/STI coinfections Recent studies highlight increased cardiovascular risks in MDR-HIV patients and breakthrough mpox cases in vaccine non-responders. Awards & Leadership: 2013: Qualified as Associate/Ordinary Professor 2015: Appointed University Professor Fellowships: Gilead (2016-2018) Chair: Italian Antiretroviral Guidelines Panel Director: PRESTIGIO Registry Teaching & Mentorship: Teaches infectious diseases modules to medical students and residents, emphasizing tropical medicine and HIV clinical management. Advises through the San Raffaele's training programs and contributes to international educational initiatives. Labs & Networks: Leads the Infectious Diseases Database (IDD-HSR), tracking clinical data of 10,000+ HIV patients. Collaborates with EuroSIDA, COHERE, and the RESPOND consortium, advancing global HIV research.

Paula J. LumView profile

Professor

• HIV/AIDS
• Viral Hepatitis
• Addiction Medicine
• +4 more

Paula J. Lum, MD, MPH is a Professor of Clinical Medicine and founding Program Director of the UCSF Primary Care Addiction Medicine Fellowship. She is affiliated with the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH). Her work bridges HIV, addiction medicine, and urban health equity, focusing on improving care for marginalized populations. Education: B.A. Human Biology, Stanford University (1985) M.A. Sociology, Stanford University (1985) M.D., Case Western Reserve University (1993) M.P.H. Epidemiology, UC Berkeley (1997) Residency in Primary Care Internal Medicine, UCSF/SFGH (1996) Fellowship in AIDS Prevention Studies, UCSF (1999) Research Interests: Dr. Lum’s research addresses HIV and viral hepatitis prevention/treatment in people who use drugs, evidence-based interventions for substance use disorders, and curricular innovations for healthcare providers. She emphasizes patient-centered care for vulnerable populations, particularly in non-traditional settings. Key Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator: UCSF Primary Care Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program Expansion (NIH/NIDA) Co-Investigator: EMBOSS CTN-0131 Pragmatic Trial for Opioid Use Disorder (NIH/NIDA) Site PI: Patient-Centered HCV Care for People Who Inject Drugs (PCORI) Awards: 2024 Meg Newman Award for Teaching Excellence 2019 W. Anderson Spickard Mentorship Award 2021 John Murray Academic Excellence Award Labs/Teams: Leads the UCSF Primary Care Addiction Medicine Fellowship and collaborates with the HIV/AIDS Division and Substance Use Research Networks.

• Adolescent Health/Child Health
• Global Health
• HIV/AIDS Prevention
• +4 more

Danielle Giovenco is an Assistant Professor in the Hubert Department of Global Health at Emory University and Honorary Faculty at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa. Her research focuses on designing and evaluating social and structural interventions to enhance HIV prevention and treatment engagement in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly among adolescent girls, young women, and men who have sex with men in South Africa. She investigates barriers related to mental health, intimate partner violence, and social determinants of health, alongside differentiated service delivery models for HIV care. Education: PhD in Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ScM in Biostatistics, Brown University Postdoctoral Training: Brown University and Emory University Research Interests: Her work spans adolescent health, global health equity, HIV/AIDS prevention, infectious disease epidemiology, and implementation science. She emphasizes causal inference methods to evaluate program effectiveness and address health disparities. Publications Trends: Her articles analyze HIV prevention strategies, PrEP adherence challenges, gender-based violence, and the impact of public health crises on vulnerable populations. Recent work highlights social determinants in drug-resistant TB care and mental health barriers to HIV medication adherence in South Africa. Awards & Grants: No scientific awards explicitly listed in the profile. Her research is likely funded through global health initiatives focused on HIV prevention and implementation science. Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates with the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and other South African institutions to advance community-driven interventions. Engages in multidisciplinary teams addressing HIV stigma, healthcare access, and psychosocial support for youth living with HIV.