Kathryn Chiang, PhD, MPH
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Population Science
What Motivates Me?
Aging is a universal experience that unites everyone. As people are living longer lives, it is critical we understand not only the genetic components to good health in older age, but the social, environmental, and behavioral aspects that protect us from age-related health risks like cancer, dementia, and other chronic diseases. My goal is to better understand behavioral and environmental drivers associated with longevity and healthy aging, so that more people can live longer, healthier lives."
At ACS since 2024
Kathryn Chiang, PhD, MPH, is a post-doctoral fellow in the Population Science department at the American Cancer Society (ACS) through a joint appointment with the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University. Under the mentorship of Erika Rees-Punia, PhD, MPH, and Alpa Patel, PhD, FACSM, her research primarily investigates modifiable health behaviors as they relate to healthy longevity, aging, and cancer prevention.
Research focus and accomplishments
I am a population scientist specializing in behavioral epidemiology and healthy longevity. My areas of research include nutrition, obesity, brain health, social determinants of health, cancer prevention, and mental health.
I have a strong interest in understanding the longitudinal impact of modifiable health behaviors on how people age before health problems such as obesity, cancer, and age-related decline appear. I am also interested in examining the association between dementia and cancer survivorship.
My overall goal is to contribute to research for cancer prevention and further our understanding of lifestyle behaviors that help reduce the risk for developing cancer and improve healthy longevity and aging. This includes improving our understanding of behavioral motivators associated with the adoption of healthy preventative behaviors, which is critical to further the development of behavioral interventions that can motivate individuals to make positive, sustainable behavioral changes.
Contact
Work before ACS
- University of Georgia, Graduate Research Assistant
- Marsh & McLennan Agency, Health Management Intern
Education
- PhD: Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, 2024
- MPH: Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, 2022
- BS: Nutrition Sciences, Georgia State University, 2020
Personal life
I live in Decatur, GA, with my husband and our miniature dachshund, Ridley. My hobbies include Lagree, running, antiquing, cooking/baking, and spending time with family.
