Charnita Zeigler-Johnson, PhD, MPH

Dr. Charnita Zeigler-Johnson’s research expertise are cancer epidemiology and health disparities. Her primary focus is on prostate cancer risk factors and lung cancer screening in high-risk populations. She also studies genetic polymorphisms, biomarkers, obesity, socioeconomic status, and neighborhood characteristics that vary by race or ethnicity.

Many of her peer-reviewed publications are monumental. For example, among her most recent: “Interactions Between Obesity and One-Carbon Metabolism Genes in Predicting Prostate Cancer Outcomes Among White and Black Patients”; “Implementation of Germline Testing for Prostate Cancer”; and “Black patients referred to a lung cancer screening program experience lower rates of screening and longer time to follow-up.”

“MPH students have co-authored published papers with me,” she says. “We incorporate their research findings in the development of larger projects and provide them with opportunities to share their research with a global audience. These have been beneficial collaborations for all parties, and I hope these opportunities will jumpstart the careers of some of our students.”

Even as learners, their competencies never fail to impress. “They bring vast experiences, dedication, and a strong sense of community service to the program which enhances the learning environment,” Dr. Zeigler-Johnson shares.