Vani Simmons

Vani Simmons, Ph.D., serves as the Director of the Tobacco Research and Intervention Program and Assistant Center Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, affiliated with the University of South Florida. Her research focuses on developing targeted smoking cessation and relapse-prevention interventions for vulnerable populations, including cancer patients, college students, and racial/ethnic minorities. Dr. Simmons leads efforts to address health disparities through culturally appropriate interventions, such as Spanish-language self-help programs for Hispanic smokers, and explores mobile health technologies to enhance smoking cessation outcomes. Her work also examines electronic cigarette use among cancer patients and barriers to low-dose CT screening for high-risk smokers. Funding sources include the National Cancer Institute and the Florida Department of Health.

Dr. Simmons holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Florida, followed by a fellowship in Behavioral Oncology at Moffitt. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to advance translational research and community engagement initiatives. Her research portfolio emphasizes evidence-based interventions, with a growing focus on digital health solutions.

Award-winning projects include randomized controlled trials for smoking cessation and advocacy for equitable healthcare access. Dr. Simmons is actively involved in the Health Outcomes & Behavior Program and Thoracic Oncology, contributing to Moffitt’s mission of cancer prevention and cure.