Dr. Adana A. M. Llanos is a geneticist, cancer and molecular epidemiologist, and health equity scholar whose research explores how social and structural inequities influence biology and contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes. She is a tenured Associate Professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and Co-Leader of the Cancer Population Science Program at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Dr. Llanos’ work bridges molecular biology and public health to better understand the complex factors that drive differences in cancer risk, progression, and survivorship, particularly in breast and cervical cancer. She has conducted pioneering research on the biological effects of obesity-related hormones (namely, the adipokines) in breast cancer, and her studies on chronic stress, neighborhood deprivation, and racial segregation have deepened understanding of the systemic roots of health inequities. Most recently, Dr. Llanos has expanded her research to include environmental exposures, such as the health impacts of chemical hair relaxers and personal care products disproportionately used by Black women.
Dr. Llanos’ independent academic research program is consistently supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), foundation, and institutional funding. As Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator, she has led multidisciplinary teams and overseen all aspects of research administration, from study design to budgeting and data dissemination, while maintaining a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and cross-disciplinary collaboration. She also contributes to global capacity-building efforts through her international research collaborations.
Beyond her scientific work, she is deeply committed to mentorship, teaching, and community engagement. She actively partners with non-profit organizations to promote health advocacy, education, and cancer survivorship, especially within communities that have been historically marginalized. Through her research, leadership, and service, Dr. Llanos is dedicated to advancing equity across the cancer care continuum.
Click below to make an appointment. We will follow up to confirm your reservation.
Make an Appointment
