About Me
Ramya has over 10 years of experience as an epidemiologist in the US and Southern Africa. She’s been the ‘boots on the ground’ investigating and responding to urgent outbreaks of disease. She’s also been involved in the design and analysis of large multi-national randomized community trials, national surveys, as well as local implementation science studies. Ramya has taught international courses and workshops on epidemiologic methods and data analysis. She’s also mentored dozens of public health leaders on the African continent through workforce development programs.
I’ve collaborated with
Current Research
In Southern and East Africa, key populations and their partners are at a high risk of getting HIV, accounting for 25% of all new HIV infections. To address this issue, it is important to develop HIV prevention strategies that meet the unique needs of these groups. My research in Zambia focuses on intersectional stigma and its effects on HIV prevention, substance use, and mental health among marginalized populations. This work is supported by a Fogarty Global Health Fellowship from the National Institutes of Health Fogarty International Center.
Honors & Awards
University of Washington Husky 100 2022
Husky100 Recipient – University-wide award in recognition of leadership, commitment to inclusive community, and a discovery mindset .
US Department of State Zambia Mission Award 2015
Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding contributions to Zambia’s public health workforce and response capacity.
Featured Fellow for Profiles in Public Health 2015
Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health http://www.aspph.org/profile/ramya-kumar
Delta Omega Honor Society for Graduate Studies in Public Health
2014 Boston University School of Public Health
Merit Scholarship
2011 Boston University School of Public Health
Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society for Liberal Arts and Sciences
2010 Boston University College of Arts & Sciences
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Full Tuition Scholarship
2006 – 2010 Boston University
