Staff: Anne K. Julian, PhD
Anne K. Julian, PhD
Cancer Prevention Fellow
Anne K. Julian, Ph.D., was a Cancer Prevention Fellow in the Health Behaviors Research Branch of the Behavioral Research Program from 2017-2021. Dr. Julian's research focused on UV exposure and protection behaviors, survey measurement and misclassification, and consumer perceptions of sunscreen products.
Dr. Julian aimed to better understand popular beliefs about sun exposure and sunscreens, perceived risks and benefits of sunscreen use, and how these beliefs may affect skin cancer risk and protective behaviors. She was also interested in media sources of information and misinformation about sunscreen.
Before joining the Cancer Prevention Fellowship, Dr. Julian earned a Ph.D. in public health from Oregon State University in health behavior and health promotion. Her dissertation work focused on the measurement of health beliefs about UV in a cloudy climate and the relationship of these beliefs to indoor tanning and sun protection behaviors among Oregon college students. She also received a minor in aging sciences and was a National Science Foundation IGERT fellow. Dr. Julian also holds a master's degree in psychology from San Diego State University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Claremont McKenna College.
ISBNPA poster: Physical Activity and Sunburn: Sun Safety in the FLASHE Survey Cohort, Julian, A., Perna, F., June 2019
"Where are they now?": Following up with past BRP fellows
Updated June 2021
Current Title
Behavioral Scientist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How has your BRP fellowship influenced your career?
As a Cancer Prevention Fellow in the Health Behaviors Research Branch (HBRB) of BRP, I was able to collaborate with numerous experts in my areas of interest (sun safety, sunscreen use, obesity) and was fortunate to be able to lead junior scientists on many projects. In collaboration with a colleague I further applied for and received the Collaborative Research Award for Fellows in Training, an award which supported our work examining consumer interpretation of sunscreen labeling using eye tracking technology. This experience equipped me with the skills and knowledge to conduct research that will have a lasting impact.
Describe a favorite memory or two from your fellowship experience.
I loved NCI's ice cream socials held each summer, which were an opportunity to chat with people both in and outside of my division in an informal and sweet-fueled setting. I further enjoyed most CPF events, where I was able to socialize and generate ideas for research at the same time, with a diverse cohort of brilliant scientists.
Describe your current position, your current organization, and what you do.
I am a Behavioral Scientist in the Epidemiology and Applied Research Branch of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). My research focuses in part on sun safety and sunscreen use.
Current and/or past BRP mentors include Frank Perna.
Selected Publications and Presentations
- Julian A, Thorburn S, Geldhof GJ. Health Beliefs About UV and Skin Cancer Risk Behaviors. Cancer Control 2020; 27(4).
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