Biography

Olivia Carter-Pokras, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health. Dr. Carter-Pokras has conducted health disparities research in the Federal government (21+ years) and academia (6+ years). Her research has mainly focused on the intersection of epidemiology and health policy to address Latino health and children's environmental health. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Maryland College Park, Dr. Carter-Pokras was an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine where she currently serves as adjunct faculty. The previous Director of the Division of Policy and Data, Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Carter-Pokras has been recognized by the Surgeon General, Assistant Secretary for Health and Latino Caucus of the American Public Health Association for her career achievements to improve racial and ethnic data and develop national health policy. Dr. Carter-Pokras is the Principal Investigator for a NHLBI cultural competency and health disparities academic award, a state tobacco disparities evaluation contract, and a community based participatory research grant from NICHD on oral health of Latino and Ethiopian children and their mothers. She conducts health assessments of Latinos in Baltimore and Montgomery County in close partnership with local government and community based organizations. Dr. Carter-Pokras is a member of the Board of Directors for the American College of Epidemiology, and the Executive Board of the American Public Health.