Dr. Adana A.M. Llanos focuses her research on understanding and addressing inequities in cancer outcomes for underserved populations.
Llanos is a molecular cancer epidemiologist who engages in transdisciplinary and collaborative studies that examine molecular and sociobiologic mechanisms that contribute to increased cancer incidence and mortality. Focusing on minority and medically underserved populations, she seeks to address and overcome health disparities.
“Adana Llanos really does work with and for the people that she studies,” says Dr. Perry N. Halkitis, dean and professor of biostatistics and urban-global public health at the Rutgers School of Public Health. “Too often we find in research that people are disconnected from the population they work with … but Adana does really effective, community-engaged, community-participatory research where she gives voice to the people and empowers populations.”
For her own higher education, she sought an institution where her interests in science would be appreciated and where the faculty had a vested interest in her success. Llanos chose Howard University, attending the historically Black institution for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. Part of that relates to experiences she had as one of the only Black students in AP science courses and honors classes in high school.
“That sense of belonging was something that I longed for,” says Llanos. “My experiences at Howard — the love and support from the faculty as both an undergraduate and graduate student — have had immeasurable impact on my development as a scientist, researcher and global citizen. My interest in being a role model for other aspiring scientists from underrepresented groups was made at Howard.”
She was originally on the pre-med track at Howard when a mentor in the biology department, Dr. Clarence M. Lee, encouraged her to pursue a Ph.D. If not for him, she says she would probably have persevered through medical school instead of finding her true passion in science research and teaching.
“Thoroughly enjoying my research and engaging with students in the way that I get to, engaging with communities, I know this is what I am supposed to be doing,” says Llanos, who is appreciative of her “amazing mentors” throughout her education and career.
