Kathryn M. Barker, ScD, MPH, is a social epidemiologist specializing in gender socialization processes as they relate to intimate partner violence, alcohol use, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa and the United States. Her research leverages multilevel modeling, latent class analysis, and social network analysis to examine the drivers of health and well-being across the social ecology. Dr. Barker also leads the design of cluster randomized controlled trials to evaluate gender-transformative interventions, working closely with national and local implementing partners to ensure cultural relevance and the practical use of findings.

Prior to her academic appointments, she worked at the Population Council and the U.S. Agency for International Development, supporting research, evaluation, and management of global health programs.

Dr. Barker holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Doctor of Science (ScD) in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Harvard University. Born in Minnesota, she has lived in New York, Washington, DC, Japan, India, and Senegal. Now based in San Diego, she appreciates the opportunity to spend time year-round gardening and playing at the ocean with her family and dog. You can learn more about Dr. Barker’s publications and grants on her UCSD profile.