Barbara Van Der Pol

Barbara Van Der Pol is a Professor in the School of Medicine (Department of Medicine - Infectious Diseases) and the School of Public Health (Department of Health Behavior) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She serves as the Director of the UAB STD Diagnostics Laboratory and is the President of the International Society for STD Research. Her academic career spans over 40 years in STI research.

Education:

• PhD in Philosophy, Indiana University-Bloomington (2007)
• MPH in Epidemiology, Indiana State University (2001)
• BS in Biology, Indiana University Bloomington (1980)

Research interests focus on the biology, epidemiology, and diagnostics of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly in developing and evaluating molecular diagnostic technologies. She has extensive experience in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean in capacity building and quality improvement. Her work also addresses how new diagnostic tools can increase access to sexual health care.

Grants: Over 79 grants, including multiple collaborations with diagnostic companies like BD, Cepheid, and Abbott, focusing on clinical validation of new diagnostic tests for STIs and HIV. Notable grants include NIH-funded research on PrEP and STI control strategies.

Awards: While no specific awards listed, her leadership roles highlight her contributions to the field, such as leading the International Society for STD Research.

Teaching: Involved in medical education through courses like Microbiology and has mentored students including Alison P Footman. Active in graduate committees.

Labs/Teams: Directs the UAB STD Diagnostics Lab, leading projects on diagnostic technologies and implementation science.