Heather M. Brandt, PhD is director of the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and co-associate director for outreach in the St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center. She also serves as a full member of the cancer center in the department of epidemiology and cancer control. She is a faculty affiliate in the University of Memphis School of Public Health and University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health.

As a social and behavioral scientist, her research interests focus on disparities in cancer prevention and control and specifically on working with thought leaders, key allies, and partners to effectively use what we know works to increase HPV vaccination. This involves examining, describing, and intervening on cancer-related health disparities through innovative approaches in partnership with “communities” (defined broadly and diversely). Her research emphasizes dissemination and implementation of evidence-based approaches, knowledge-based practice, and co-creating knowledge with key partners in order to improve outcomes through informed action on multiple levels. Most of her work has been done with churches, non-profit organizations, and health care settings, including in rural areas, to improve cancer prevention and control outcomes.

She is the recipient of several awards, including the 2023 Leadership in HPV Vaccination Award from the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, 2023 Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Friend of Children Award, 2023 Friend of the LGBTQ Caucus of the American Public Health Association Award, 2022 Health Care Heroes Award from Memphis Business Journal, 2017 J. Marion Sims Award for contributions to public health (South Carolina Public Health Association), 2016 Norman J. Arnold Alumni Medal (Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina), 2015 James A. Keith Excellence in Teaching Award (Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina), and additional. She is chair of the American Journal of Public Health Editorial Board and member of the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable Steering Committee and additional national and local professional organizations.

Dr. Brandt joined St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in July 2020 after 16 years on faculty in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, and most recently as associate dean in the Graduate School and professor of health promotion, education, and behavior in the Arnold School. She received a BS With Honors from the University of Iowa and MSPH, graduate certificates of study in gerontology and women’s studies, and PhD from the University of South Carolina. She lives in Memphis, Tennessee with her husband, Forrest Alton, who runs their consulting business, 1000 Feathers, LLC.

Websites:

• Faculty Profile: https://www.stjude.org/brandt
• LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/heathermbrandt
• My Bibliography: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/heather%20m..brandt.2/bibliography/public/
• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=A8-3miMAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
• Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Heather_Brandt