Maria Gallo, PhD

Associate Dean of Research

Professor

Epidemiology

Maria Gallo, PhD

As an epidemiologist, I am passionate about improving and protecting the sexual and reproductive health of all individuals – in particular, those who face disparities in the social determinants of health. I feel fortunate to work in public health, a field that values interdisciplinary, collaborative research. This means that I get to partner with experts in different disciplines — biology, sociology, psychology, design, medicine and others — to study how to best promote sexual and reproductive health. I can’t imagine a more interesting job than this!

Contact

258 Cunz Hall
1841 Neil Ave
Columbus, OH 43210
Email: gallo.86@osu.edu
Phone: 614-688-2145
View CV

As a sexual and reproductive health epidemiologist, I have conducted research, primarily in low-resource settings, for almost two decades. My overarching goal is to influence public health, clinical practice, and individual behavior in order to improve women and men’s reproductive health. Specifically, I’m interested in the prevention of HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancy and the reduction of risky sexual behaviors. Most of my research has occurred within the context of randomized controlled trials or clinical trials designed to test biomedical or behavioral interventions among at-risk populations. This work has led to the development and application of semen biomarkers to improve the measurement of sexual behavior.

I have enjoyed collaborating with strong partners on research related to HIV/STIs, contraception, or abortion in Jamaica, Madagascar, Mozambique, Kenya, Vietnam and Cambodia. Currently, I am the PI on an NIH R01-funded trial in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam (R01HD084637), an R01 at the OSU Wexner Medical Center (R01HD091274), an SFP-funded study in Kingston, Jamaica, and two foundation-funded studies in Ohio. See https://cph.osu.edu/news/2017/06/gallo%E2%80%99s-work-establishing-objective-measures-sexual-exposure-rewarded-bill-melinda

Before joining OSU in the Division of Epidemiology in the College of Health in August 2013, I was an epidemiologist at CDC and at two international nonprofit research organizations: FHI 360 and Ipas. I had the privilege of serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer with the Ministry of Health in Nicaragua in 1995-1997. 

I am the instructor for PUBHEPI 8430 (Epidemiology IV, Meta-analysis module) and PUBHHBP 8899.02 (Grant-writing seminar).