Our Faculty

Dr. Mary Ann Chiasson?s research focuses on the epidemiology of HIV, particularly risk factors for sexual transmission; women?s reproductive health; and early childhood obesity. Her current HIV-related research focuses on the relationship between the Internet and high risk sexual behavior among men who have sex with men and she directs the online video prevention project, HIV Is Still A Big Deal. She has co-directed the HIV/AIDS Epidemiology course at the Mailman School since 1989. Dr. Chiasson served in various capacities at the New York City Department of Health from 1986 through 1999, including nine years as an assistant commissioner of health with scientific and administrative responsibility for AIDS Surveillance, HIV/AIDS Research, and Vital Statistics and Epidemiology. In 1999 Dr. Chiasson was appointed vice president for research and evaluation at Public Health Solutions (PHS), a large non-profit organization that provides health-related services, conducts demonstration and research programs, and offers management services in order to improve community health and strengthen health policy.

DrPH, Columbia University, 1988

MPH, Columbia University, 1985

MS, New York University, 1978

BA, Bennington College, 1972

Additional Affiliations:

• Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine
• Member, Hermann Biggs Society 2002-2004

CHAIN Study, Chairman of the Technical Review Team
The CHAIN study appraises the system of care in New York City from the perspective of people living with HIV and AIDS. CHAIN has evolved into one of the most comprehensive client-based HIV prospective cohort studies launched by any metropolitan area in the US.

Obesity in Children Participating in the Public Health Solutions New York City Neighborhood WIC Program
The Public Health Solutions Research and Evaluation Unit has conducted two surveys to determine the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors among children 2-4 years old enrolled in this WIC program which serves more than 55,000 women, infants, and children each year. The findings from these surveys are being used to age-appropriate interventions.

Health literacy, cervical cancer screening, and access to care among immigrant Latina women in New York City
This is a project exploring links between health literacy and cervical cancer screening in Latinas age 40 and over of varying nationalities in New York City.