Staff: Catherine M. Pichardo, PhD

Catherine M. Pichardo

Catherine M. Pichardo, PhD

Former Fellow, Transitioned Outside of the Program

Cancer Research Training Award Fellow
Former Organization:

Catherine M. Pichardo, Ph.D., was a Cancer Research Training Award fellow in the Office of the Associate Director (OAD) and the Health Behaviors Research Branch (HBRB) of the Behavioral Research Program from January 2022 to November 2024.

Dr. Pichardo's research focuses on understanding the role of individual, interpersonal, and structural determinants of cancer-related disparities. Topics of interest include the influence of adverse environments on racial/ethnic minority health and health inequities.

Dr. Pichardo's primary area of expertise involves multilevel determinants of cardiometabolic health disparities using ecological and social approaches that consider contextual factors among racial/ethnic minorities. Within this topic, she has conducted studies of interpersonal racial/ethnic discrimination, neighborhood segregation, racism-related coping mechanisms, sleep, mental health, metabolic health, and cancer. Specifically, Dr. Pichardo pursues research examining how multidimensional factors- at the neighborhood and individual level- interact to influence mechanisms (i.e., lifestyle health behaviors), and metabolic functioning and physiologic biomarkers, and in turn produce inequities in cancer outcomes among racial/ethnic groups.


"Where are they now?": Following up with past BRP fellows
Updated December 2024

Current Title
Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator - Program Officer
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities

How has your BRP fellowship influenced your career?
The CRTA fellowship confirmed my passion for health disparities and cancer prevention research, provided with opportunities to advance the science and explore career paths in government. Through hands-on learning, strong mentorship, and collaboration with renowned scientists, I had numerous opportunities to further my expertise and enhance my skills to pursue a career as a Program Officer. The fellowship contributed to both my personal and professional growth, allowing me to engage in a variety of extramural and intramural projects including secondary data analysis, organizing webinars, and participating in visioning workshops.

Describe a favorite memory or two from your fellowship experience.
I enjoyed working with an intradisciplinary team of scientists to organize webinars focused on cancer disparities and prevention.

Describe your current position, your current organization, and what you do.
I am a Program Officer at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), my work involves the administration of grant portfolios.

Awards, Honors, and Recognitions

  • Fellows Award for Research Excellence 2024




Selected Publications and Presentations

To request edits to this profile, please contact us at ncidccpsbrpadvances@mail.nih.gov.