Marie-Claude Couture

Marie-Claude Couture is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Health Professions Department at the University of San Francisco (USF). She holds a PhD in Public Health from Université de Montréal, an MSc in Biochemistry from McGill University, and a BSc in Microbiology from Université Laval. Her research focuses on substance use, infectious diseases, vaccination, violence victimization, and social determinants of health in marginalized populations. She has led interdisciplinary studies in global health settings including Haiti, Cambodia, Ghana, Thailand, and the Ivory Coast.

• Education:
  • PhD in Public Health, Epidemiology – Université de Montréal
  • MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology – McGill University
  • BSc in Microbiology – Université Laval

Her research emphasizes vaccine hesitancy, nonpharmaceutical interventions during pandemics, and mental health correlates of fear and violence. Over 35 peer-reviewed articles and international conference presentations reflect her work. Notable awards include the 2013 Young Investigator Travel Award and CIHR fellowships (2009, 2006).

Dr. Couture serves on USF’s Faculty Development Committee, MPH Admissions Committee, and the Center for Research, Artistic, and Scholarly Excellence (CRASE). She has secured grants as Principal Investigator, co-PI, and collaborator, focusing on global health challenges like HIV transmission among sex workers and substance use in high-risk populations.

Her work bridges digital health innovations with community-based interventions, particularly addressing health disparities in underserved groups. Current projects include validating vaccine hesitancy scales and studying trauma impacts on LGBTQ+ and racial minority students.