AnaPaula Cupertino

Dr. AnaPaula Cupertino is a Professor of Surgery, Public Health Sciences, and Oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She founded and serves as the Associate Director of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Disparities at the Wilmot Cancer Institute. Dr. Cupertino leads research and community engagement across a 27-county area in upstate New York, focusing on cancer prevention, tobacco control, vaping cessation, and cancer screenings using community-based participatory research methods. In the Department of Surgery, she oversees health outcomes research and drives the SHORE initiative for departmental transformation.

Dr. Cupertino's educational background includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy | University of California. Human Development. 2001
• Masters of Arts | Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Social Psychology. 1996
• Bachelor of Arts | Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Psychology. 1993

Her research focuses on cancer prevention with special emphasis on tobacco control and vaping cessation among diverse populations. She addresses health disparities through community-based participatory research, developing culturally appropriate interventions for Latino communities. Her work spans smoking cessation methods, cancer screening disparities, hereditary cancer risk assessment, and community health worker models to improve outcomes in underserved populations. She has developed culturally tailored mobile health interventions like 'Decídetexto' and 'Vive sin Tabaco... ¡Decídete!'

Dr. Cupertino's extensive publication record shows evolving focus from tobacco control to surgical oncology outcomes and cancer disparities. Her recent work demonstrates increasing attention to rectal cancer management, nonoperative approaches, patient decision-making, and health equity in correctional settings. She has pioneered digital health tools for smoking cessation and cancer screening, with strong emphasis on culturally appropriate interventions for minority populations.

Dr. Cupertino has received numerous scientific awards:

• Finalist Executive Vice Chancellor Diversity & Inclusion Award (2018)
• Full Bright Certificate for Mentoring Medical Students (2016)
• Community Engagement Faculty Award (2014)
• Honorarium Visiting Professor (2014)
• Humanitarian Award (2012)
• KDHE Center for Health Disparities (2009)
• Multiple National Cancer Institute awards and travel awards

With continuous research funding since 2003, Dr. Cupertino has mentored numerous students and researchers, particularly focusing on empowering promotores de salud as research partners. Her grant portfolio includes studies on culturally tailored smoking cessation interventions, cancer screening disparities, and community engagement strategies. She has established the Latino Health for All Coalition and developed validated tools for smoking cessation and cancer risk assessment in diverse populations.

Dr. Cupertino leads the SHORE initiative within the Department of Surgery and has established strong community partnerships across upstate New York. Her work with promotores de salud has created sustainable models for community-engaged cancer research and education, directly addressing health disparities through culturally competent approaches.