Catherine Tomko

Catherine Tomko, PhD, MHS, is an Assistant Scientist in the Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her research focuses on structural determinants of substance use, mental health, trauma, and health disparities among marginalized populations, particularly women who use drugs and sex workers in Baltimore, Maryland.

• PhD, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2021
• MHS, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2016
• BA, The George Washington University, 2011

Dr. Tomko specializes in qualitative and quantitative epidemiological methods to study social and structural causes of health inequities. Her work examines the impacts of gentrification, policing, drug decriminalization, and internalized stigma on health outcomes. She has led research on mobile buprenorphine induction, HIV prevention, and resilience among structurally vulnerable women. Her methodological expertise includes latent variable analysis, structural modeling, and psychometrics.

Her recent publications highlight trends in overdose prevention, mental health disparities, trauma, and policy evaluation. Key themes include the intersection of substance use and mental health, healthcare access barriers, and the role of structural vulnerabilities in shaping health outcomes for marginalized populations.

Scientific Awards:

• Gustav J. Martin Award for Innovation in HIV Research
• Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award, National Institute of Mental Health

Dr. Tomko has been involved in multiple research grants and collaborative projects focused on harm reduction, HIV prevention, and mental health interventions. She frequently partners with community-based organizations in Baltimore to implement and evaluate public health programs. Her work emphasizes community engagement, equity, and translating research into policy.

She is affiliated with research initiatives including the SAPPHIRE and EMERALD studies, which focus on cohort retention and combination HIV prevention among female sex workers. Her research network spans public health, social work, and clinical practice, contributing to interdisciplinary efforts in health equity.