Dionna Williams

Dionna Williams, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology at Emory University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the neuropathogenesis of HIV, neuroimmune signaling, central nervous system drug delivery, and health disparities in neuroAIDS.

• PhD in Biomedical Science, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2014)
• BSc in Biochemistry, Hofstra University (2009)

Dr. Williams’ work explores how substance abuse and immunologic factors influence HIV progression in the CNS. Her recent publications highlight donor-specific drug metabolism, blood-brain barrier regulation, and cannabinoid effects on neuroimmune processes.

• NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
• UNCF/Merck Graduate Fellowship
• Johns Hopkins Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Certificate in Health Disparities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School

She has received grants from the National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program and Translational Research in NeuroAIDS center. Her lab investigates neuroinflammation, drug transport mechanisms, and health disparities in HIV patients.