Avonne E. Connor

Avonne E. Connor, PhD, MPH, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, with a joint appointment in the School of Medicine. Her research focuses on cancer epidemiology, particularly breast cancer and health disparities among underserved and minority populations, including African American and Hispanic women.

Education:

• PhD, University of Louisville, 2011
• MPH, University of Louisville, 2007

Dr. Connor’s research interests center on identifying risk factors for breast cancer and poor outcomes through the lens of modifiable lifestyle factors, biological mechanisms, and social inequities. Her work emphasizes population-based studies to understand the causes of cancer disparities and improve outcomes across the cancer continuum. Key research themes include obesity, chronic inflammation, genetic variants, tumor phenotype, and quality of life among survivors.

Her recent publications (2021–2025) reflect a strong focus on cardio-oncology, healthcare access, social determinants of health, and interventions to improve cancer outcomes in Black and Hispanic populations. Common methodological themes include use of SEER-CAHPS data, prospective cohort analysis, and mixed-methods feasibility studies. Her work frequently explores how structural and systemic factors—such as food environments and economic segregation—impact cancer mortality and survivorship.

Scientific Awards:

• Delta Omega Honor Society, Beta Pi Chapter (2012)
• Ho-Ching Yang Memorial Faculty Award (2014)
• JH-BIRCWH Scholar (2016)
• University of Louisville Alumni Fellow of the Year (2018)
• AACR Minority & MSI Faculty Scholar (2018, 2021)
• NIH/National Cancer Institute Loan Repayment Program (2020, 2022)

Dr. Connor has secured competitive grants, including NIH LRP funding, supporting her research on cancer disparities. She actively mentors and collaborates with early-career researchers and is part of multidisciplinary teams focused on cancer prevention and survivorship. She has advised or collaborated with researchers such as Kathy Visvanathan, Katelyn Dibble, and others on projects spanning epidemiology, public health interventions, and health equity.

She is affiliated with key research centers at Johns Hopkins and is actively involved in national research networks, contributing to policy-relevant studies on cancer care and disparities. Her lab and research team focus on data-driven approaches to reduce inequities in cancer outcomes through rigorous population science and community-engaged research.