Laundette Jones

Laundette P. Jones, PhD, MPH, is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with primary appointments in Epidemiology & Public Health and secondary appointments in Pharmacology. She serves as Co-Director for the Program in Health Equity and Population Health (HEPH) and Associate Director of the STAR-PREP program, which trains underrepresented students for biomedical PhD/M.D.-PhD programs. Her research bridges biomedical science, public health, and community engagement to address cancer disparities through transdisciplinary approaches.

• Education: BS in Chemistry (Morgan State University, 1992), PhD in Environmental Health Sciences (Johns Hopkins, 2000), Postdoctoral Fellowships (NCI, 2001; Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center, 2005), MPH in Community and Population Health (University of Maryland, 2018)

Dr. Jones specializes in biosocial research on breast cancer, focusing on BRCA1 mutations, environmental risk factors, and health disparities. Her work integrates biological, social, and environmental determinants through community-academic partnerships. Current projects include participatory health research and financial toxicity mitigation in cancer survivors.

Key research trends include:

• Interplay of genetic/environmental/social factors in cancer disparities
• Role of adipose tissue in breast cancer progression
• Participatory methodologies for community-driven solutions
• Financial toxicity measurement and intervention
• Transdisciplinary team-building
• Biomedical workforce diversity programs

Scientific Awards:

• UMB Community-Based Engagement & Learning Faculty Fellow (2015)
• Delta Omega National Honor Society (2021)

Dr. Jones leads initiatives like the STAR-PREP program and collaborates with the Baltimore Gift Economy and UMGCCC. She holds leadership roles in community engagement and has received grants for seed projects promoting inclusive research practices.