Dr. Tan is health psychologist and epidemiologist in the Department of Public Health Sciences who focuses on reducing health disparities among underserved populations through health behavior change. Her research interests are 1) examining biopsychosocial and behavioral factors that contribute to disparities in chronic disease, primarily cancer, and 2) conducting community-based health behavior interventions to reduce risk factors among disparity populations. Much of her work has focused on tobacco cessation and weight management among low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations.
In her new role as the Assistant Director for COE, Dr. Tan will join the Cancer Center Leadership team and help move our strategic priorities forward, particularly as they relate to research benefitting our catchment area. She has established strong partnerships and collaborations with community organizations and a special interest in the role and evaluation of community health workers in cancer care and prevention.