Jade Pagkas-Bather

Jade Pagkas-Bather is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine-Infectious Diseases at the University of Chicago. Her research focuses on HIV/AIDS, health equity, and public health interventions targeting marginalized populations, particularly Black sexual minority men and transgender individuals. She investigates the intersection of infectious diseases, social determinants of health, and healthcare access.

Her work emphasizes innovative approaches to HIV prevention and care, including status-neutral interventions, social network analysis, and addressing systemic barriers to healthcare. She has contributed to studies on the epidemiology of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable communities, and the effectiveness of interventions like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Key themes in her publications include health equity, the role of structural factors in disease transmission, and leveraging technology (e.g., GPS-based networks) to design targeted public health strategies. She collaborates extensively with researchers in epidemiology, behavioral science, and implementation science.

Notably, her research highlights the importance of addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities in HIV care and prevention, particularly in urban settings. She also explores the psychosocial impacts of pandemics on marginalized groups, including sleep disturbances and mental health challenges.