Karen Phillips

Karen Phillips is an Associate Professor and Vice-Dean of Governance and Secretary within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on sexual and reproductive health, with particular attention to environmental and social determinants of fertility, public health management during infectious disease outbreaks, and maternal-fetal health. She leads the ReproHealth Lab and actively engages in health promotion initiatives through collaborations with public health organizations.

Dr. Phillips’ academic journey began in reproductive biology and assisted reproductive technologies before transitioning to investigate risk perception, health communication, and equity in sexual education. She has contributed to policy development around prenatal care, infertility awareness, and pandemic preparedness for healthcare workers. Her work frequently addresses intersectional challenges faced by marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ communities and immigrant families.

Key research themes include:

• Environmental toxins and reproductive health
• Infertility risk communication strategies
• Public health responses to respiratory pandemics
• Cultural competency in sexual health education

Her publications span journals in public health, environmental health, and reproductive medicine. She currently supervises graduate students and advocates for evidence-based health promotion programs.