Melonie Walcott, DrPH, MPH

Goal with HISTP

"I hope the program will provide essential training and support which will enable me to submit a K01 application and enhance my ability to transition to a career as an independent researcher focusing on developing interventions to increase uptake of PrEP and reduce HIV disparity among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM)."

Dr. Walcott is an Assistant Professor in the department of Health Policy, Management, and Behavior at the University at Albany School of Public Health. She completed a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and her dissertation examined the role of gender norms on sexual and reproductive behaviors and acceptance of male circumcision for HIV prevention. Her research interests include social and structural factors associated with HIV risk behaviors and developing and implementing patient-centric biomedical and social-behavioral interventions to increase equity in HIV prevention and treatment among marginalized populations.  Her current research focuses on assessing the association between patient-provider relationship and experience of racism in health care, and engagement in HIV care, and viral suppression among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). 

Mentor

Hong Van Tieu, Assistant Professor, Columbia University Division of Infectious Diseases

Dr. Walcott’s long-term goal is to become an intervention science investigator in the field of HIV prevention and control with a focus on developing and implementing biomedical and social behavioral interventions to reduce health disparities. Her research interests include behavioral risk factors for HIV transmission, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), medication adherence and structural interventions especially among underserved communities.