Shaila Strayhorn-Carter

Dr. Shaila Strayhorn-Carter is a dedicated public health scholar and researcher whose academic journey spans several prestigious institutions. She graduated from Spelman College with a degree in Biology, before earning her Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She then pursued a PhD in Social and Behavioral Science from the University of Memphis School of Public Health, where her research interests began to take shape.

Dr. Strayhorn-Carter's work centers on understanding the intersection of social support, health behaviors, and quality of life. Specifically, her research explores how social support influences physical activity and overall well-being among African American breast cancer survivors and individuals at high risk for cancer. She has also focused on the role of social determinants in health disparities, particularly in cancer outcomes.

Dr. Strayhorn-Carter further advanced her expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago within the Cancer Education and Career Development Program. In addition to her cancer-related research, she has developed a strong focus on alcohol use disorder, particularly among active-duty military personnel, with the goal of identifying effective interventions and strategies to improve their health outcomes.
Her commitment to public health is driven by a desire to address health disparities and improve the quality of life for underserved populations. Dr. Strayhorn-Carter continues to contribute to both the academic and practical fields of public health through her innovative research and advocacy.

Education

Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Health Equity and Career Development Program, University of Illinois at Chicago in Chicago, IL
PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Memphis School of Public Health in Memphis, TN
M.P.H in Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health in Ann Arbor, MI
B.S. in Biology, Spelman College in Atlanta, GA

Specialization in Teaching

PBH 452-Epidemiology
PBH 359-Research Methods

Research Interests

My research interests center on understanding how social determinants of health influence outcomes throughout the cancer continuum. Specifically, I focus on utilizing community-based participatory research methods to improve breast cancer screening and survivorship care, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals in medically underserved populations. These studies are conducted using quasi-experimental study designs and mixed-methods research to thoroughly assess the effectiveness of interventions.

Professional Service

Society of Behavioral Medicine
Eta Sigma Gamma

Community Engagement

Board member of Going Beyond the Pink