Tamika Smith

Tamika Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health. She also serves as Project Director for UAB's CDC-funded Center for the Study of Community Health. Her research focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention, sexual health behavior, and addressing health disparities among African American populations. She holds a PhD in Public Health Education and Promotion and a Master's in Psychology.

Education Background:

• PhD in Public Health Education and Promotion, University of Alabama at Birmingham (2015)
• Master of Psychology in Counseling Psychology, University of West Alabama (2012)

Research Interests:
Dr. Smith investigates HIV/STI prevention strategies, program planning for marginalized communities, and child outcomes in first-time parenting. Her work emphasizes community-centered approaches and the use of technology (e.g., social media) to enhance public health interventions.

Grants & Collaborations:
She leads projects funded by the CDC and NIH, including the CITY Health II initiative to reduce HIV among African American youth. Her grants total over $6 million and focus on community health infrastructure and global partnerships in public health education.

Teaching & Mentorship:
Instructs courses on African American health issues, behavioral science theory, and research methods. Supervises doctoral students in dissertation committees and mentors early-career researchers.

Affiliations:
Associate Scientist at UAB's Center for Clinical and Translational Science (since 2022).