Dr. Suur Ayangeakaa, an Assistant Professor in Population Health Sciences at Duke University, is at the forefront of efforts to combat HIV disparities among ethnic minorities, particularly African American communities. Her journey from an undergraduate internship in Zambia to her current role at Duke is driven by a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges surrounding HIV prevention. In this interview, we explore her professional trajectory, her current research, her goals at Duke, and the support she has received from the CFAR SBS Core in advancing her HIV-related research.
Dr. Ayangeakaa’s journey into public health began during her undergraduate years, where she had the opportunity to intern in Zambia, working with orphaned children orphaned by HIV. Witnessing the dire challenges these children faced due to the HIV epidemic, including lack of education, medical care, food, and shelter, she describes that this experience ignited her passion for HIV prevention . This experience shaped her career path, leading her to pursue an MPH at Chicago State University, where she focused on behavioral and structural interventions for HIV prevention among racial minorities, particularly African Americans.
During her master's program, Dr. Ayangeakaa engaged in counseling and community outreach in the emergency department, which she explains provided her with valuable experience in community engagement work. Her dedication to addressing HIV disparities continued as she pursued her Ph.D., where she explored the implementation of PrEP among African Americans at substantial risk of acquiring HIV. Notably, her research found that many women were unaware of PrEP, emphasizing the importance of provider education.
After completing her Ph.D., Dr. Ayangeakaa served as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill. There, she she collaborated on an implementation science project in conjunction with Duke PrEP clinic providers, aimed at improving PrEP awareness and access in public housing communities in Durham through a mobile clinic pilot intervention, furthering her involvement in HIV prevention efforts.
Dr. Ayangeakaa's current research at Duke University focuses on increasing access and awareness of PrEP among ethnic minorities, with a particular emphasis on African American cisgender women. Building on her work at UNC, she aims to expand her research by collecting preliminary data and pursuing additional awards to support her endeavors. Her current project involves investigating intersectional stigma and its influence on the willingness of African American women to use PrEP. This work includes assessing not only HIV or PrEP stigma but also identity-based stigma that affects HIV risk in these communities. Dr. Ayangeakaa collaborates closely with the community, applying an intersectional lens to develop or adapt interventions based on community input. She emphasizes the importance of co-learning between academic researchers and community members to tailor interventions effectively.
What excites Dr. Ayangeakaa most about her research is the opportunity to work closely with the community. She says she values the chance to hear about community priorities directly from communities and engage with grassroots individuals who are most impacted by the issues being studied. She believes that involving the community in the research process is essential for developing interventions that will be accepted and utilized. By allowing community members to share their experiences and insights, she ensures that her work is grounded in the realities of those it aims to benefit. Dr. Ayangeakaa emphasizes the importance of translating scientific findings into formats that are accessible and acceptable to the community.
Dr. Ayangeakaa also has ambitious plans to expand her work to Ssub-Saharan Africa through a joint appointment with the Duke Global Health Institute, where she hopes to apply her expertise in PrEP interventions to combat HIV disparities.
Dr. Ayangeakaa is a recipient of the Duke CFAR Faculty Development Award and a Duke CFAR pilot award. In reflecting on her CFAR experience, she describes the “invaluable” support she has received from the CFAR SBS Core in her transition to Duke University. The SBS Core has assisted Dr. Ayangeakaa with proposal development by conducting a literature review and reviewing draft proposals. Members of the SBS core leadership have also provided consultation to Dr. Ayangeakaa after she received her CFAR pilot award to provide technical assistance on implementing her research ideas. The SBS Core Director, Dr. Amy Corneli, also serves as her primary mentor. Dr. Ayangeakaa says she is excited about continuing to working with the SBS Core, and states that the SBS core’s guidance is helping her to advance her research. Given her behavioral background, she explains that recognizes the significance of having access to CFAR resources, including mentorship and financial support, in ensuring the success of her HIV-related research.
Dr. Suur Ayangeakaa’s dedication to addressing HIV disparities among ethnic minorities, her commitment to community engagement, and the support she receives from CFAR are driving forces in her mission to combat the HIV epidemic and improve the lives of those most affected by it. Her research is not only contributing to the scientific community but also making a tangible difference in the lives of the individuals and communities she serves.