Erin Cooney

Erin Cooney, PhD, MSPH, is an Assistant Scientist in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is affiliated with the Center for Public Health and Human Rights and the Center for Qualitative Studies in Health and Medicine.

Education:

• PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2023
• MSPH, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2017
• BS, Northeastern University, 2014

Erin Cooney is a social and behavioral public health researcher specializing in transgender health and HIV prevention. Her research focuses on qualitative and mixed methods approaches to understanding the social and structural determinants of health that impact PrEP uptake, adherence, and discontinuation among transgender women, particularly in the southern and eastern United States. She investigates intersectional barriers, including immigration status, race, and gender minority stress, that contribute to health inequities. Her work often involves multisite cohort studies such as the LITE study and emphasizes community-engaged research.

Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in exploring long-acting HIV prevention methods, patient preferences, and structural barriers to care. She frequently employs mixed methods and qualitative designs to capture nuanced experiences of marginalized populations.

Scientific Awards:

• Inductee, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, 2023
• Gordis Teaching Fellow, Johns Hopkins University, 2022–2023
• Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Fellow, National Institute of Mental Health, 2020–2023
• Georgeda Buchbinder Memorial Award, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2020
• Centennial Scholar Award, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2019
• Inductee, Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health, 2017

Erin Cooney has contributed significantly to public health research through her leadership and collaborative roles in major HIV prevention studies. She has served as a teaching fellow, indicating involvement in academic instruction. While no specific details about grants or advising are provided, her NIH-funded fellowship and publication record suggest active grant-supported research. She is a key contributor to research teams focused on LGBTQ+ health equity and HIV prevention.

Laboratories and Research Teams:

Erin Cooney is associated with the LITE Study (Long-Acting Injectable PrEP in Transgender Women) and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams at Johns Hopkins, including those in the Center for Public Health and Human Rights. Her research is embedded within larger networks addressing health inequities in transgender populations.