Nicole Armstrong

Nicole Armstrong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health. She holds additional appointments as an Associate Scientist at UAB's Center for AIDS Research and Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education (COERE). Her research focuses on genetic epidemiology, cardiovascular health, and health disparities, particularly in African American populations. She earned her Ph.D. in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies from East Carolina University (2019), an M.S. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (2015), and a B.S. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Miami University (2011). Her postdoctoral training was in Epidemiology at UAB (2019–2022).

Dr. Armstrong’s work integrates genomic, epigenetic, and metabolomic approaches to study chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and kidney disease. Her studies emphasize understanding how genetic variants, lifestyle factors, and environmental exposures interact to influence health outcomes, with a focus on underserved communities. Notably, she has explored the utility of polygenic risk scores in predicting disease susceptibility and tailoring interventions.

Her publications highlight advancements in identifying genetic contributors to hypertension treatment resistance, stroke recurrence, and diabetes risk. She collaborates across disciplines to address disparities in disease burden across racial and ethnic groups. Though no formal awards are listed, her research has been supported by grants from institutions like the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Armstrong advises students and mentors junior researchers through her roles in UAB’s academic and research centers. She actively participates in community-based initiatives to improve health equity and is affiliated with multiple clinical trials and observational studies, including the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort.