In partnership with VCU Massey Cancer Center, the Department of Health Behavior and Policy conducts extensive research around the prevention and control of cancer. We focus on translating research findings into practice as it relates to the following:

  • Reducing cancer risk
  • Improving cancer-related care
  • Improving cancer screening and decision-making
  • Enhancing patient and caregiver experience
  • Identifying Medicaid and other policy impacts on access to cancer care
  • Identifying barriers to care and developing methods to overcome those barriers

We’re proud to collaborate across multiple disciplines and academic units to engage in research that will contribute to cancer prevention and control and access to care.

Richard F. Brown, Ph.D.

Richard F. Brown, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Richard F. Brown, Ph.D.

Richard F. Brown, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: rbrown39@vcu.edu

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Michael A. Preston, Ph.D., M.P.H

Michael A. Preston, Ph.D., M.P.H

Assistant Professor

Michael A. Preston, Ph.D., M.P.H

Michael A. Preston, Ph.D., M.P.H

Assistant Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: prestonm2@vcu.edu

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Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Dean of School of Population Health

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Dean of School of Population Health

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: vlbsheppard@vcu.edu

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Maria D. Thomson, Ph.D., M.Sc.

Maria D. Thomson, Ph.D., M.Sc.

Associate Professor

Maria D. Thomson, Ph.D., M.Sc.

Maria D. Thomson, Ph.D., M.Sc.

Associate Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: mthomson2@vcu.edu

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Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.

Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.

Assistant Professor

Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.

Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.

Assistant Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: tossask@vcu.edu

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Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D., M.S.

Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D., M.S.

Interim Chair and Professor

Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D., M.S.

Jessica G. LaRose, Ph.D., M.S.

Interim Chair and Professor

Department of Health Behavior and Policy

Email: jlarose@vcu.edu

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