Toinette Frederick

Dr. Toinette Frederick is an Associate Professor of Research Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC). She holds a PhD in Epidemiology from UCLA (1989) and an MSPH. Since 2004, she has been affiliated with the Department of Pediatrics’ MCA Program, overseeing data management, analysis, and publication coordination. Her primary research focuses on HIV prevention, particularly perinatal transmission, and she leads the PHACS SMARTT study on HIV-uninfected children of HIV-positive mothers. Dr. Frederick’s work intersects epidemiology, immunology, and public health, addressing HIV-related stigma, maternal-child health, and antiretroviral therapy effects.

Education:

• PhD in Epidemiology, UCLA School of Public Health, 1989
• MSPH (Master of Science in Public Health)

Research Interests:

Dr. Frederick’s research spans HIV/AIDS epidemiology, pediatric immunology, and global health. Key areas include:

• Prevention of perinatal HIV transmission
• Impact of antiretroviral therapy on HIV-exposed infants
• HIV-related stigma and its psychosocial consequences
• Co-infections (e.g., Hepatitis C, cytomegalovirus)
• Immune activation and HIV pathogenesis

Publications:

Her 15 most recent articles (2025–2012) address topics such as SARS-CoV-2 immune responses in newborns, HIV stigma in mothers, and antiretroviral effects on pediatric development. Her work emphasizes translational research bridging clinical data and public health interventions.

Awards:

• Membership, Society for Pediatric Research (2013)
• Brandeis University: Summa Cum Laude (1974)
• Brandeis University: Dean’s List (1972–1974)

Advising & Grants:

Dr. Frederick serves as Principal Investigator of the PHACS SMARTT study and collaborates with institutions like the LAC DHS HIV-Epidemiology program. She advises on data management and interfaces with USC’s Keck School of Medicine Information Systems. Though no formal advisees are listed, her role involves mentoring research teams.

Labs/Teams:

She is part of the MCA Research team and affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine, contributing to interdisciplinary projects on HIV/AIDS and maternal-child health.