Dr. Llanos (she/her) is an associate professor of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. As a cancer and molecular epidemiologist and health equity scholar, her research investigates the molecular and sociobiologic underpinnings of cancer outcomes inequities. Dr. Llanos’ research portfolio – largely funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) – is driven by an immense desire to identify effective strategies for reducing the rates of poorer cancer outcomes in vulnerable populations to move the needle towards greater health equity.
Dr. Llanos has established a multidisciplinary research program that has three broad objectives: (1) understanding molecular and sociobiologic mechanisms that contribute to inequities in cancer outcomes, particularly breast and cervical cancers; (2) improving cancer survival among vulnerable populations and those with a disproportionately high cancer burden; and (3) advancing the current understanding of the impact of chemical exposures from the use of hair products and other personal care products on hormone-related cancer risk and outcomes, particularly among women of color. In recognition of her impactful, innovative research, Dr. Llanos has received numerous awards and honors, including a Buckeyes under 40 Award (2016, The Ohio State University Black Alumni Society), Minority Faculty Scholar Award (2018, American Association for Cancer Research), Excellence in Research Award (2018, New Jersey Health Foundation), a nomination to the National Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the Life Sciences Category (2020), and an Emerging Scholar Award (2021, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education).
In addition to her academic research, scholarship, teaching, and mentoring, Dr. Llanos is actively involved in service through engagement with various non-profit organizations whose mission includes providing timely public health advocacy, education and outreach, and cancer survivorship support, particularly organizations serving racial and ethnic minority and medically underserved communities.
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