Heather M. Brandt, PhD

Heather M. Brandt, PhD is director of the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and co-associate director for outreach in the St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center. She also serves as a full member of the cancer center in the department of epidemiology and cancer control. She is a faculty affiliate in the University of Memphis School of Public Health and University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health.

As a social and behavioral scientist, her research interests focus on cancer-related health disparities in cancer prevention and control and specifically on working with stakeholders to effectively use what we know works to increase HPV vaccination. This involves examining, describing, and intervening on cancer-related health disparities through innovative approaches in partnership with “communities” (defined broadly and diversely). Her research emphasizes dissemination and implementation of evidence-based approaches, knowledge- based practice, and co-creating knowledge with stakeholders in order to improve outcomes through informed action on multiple levels. Most of her work has been done with churches, non-profit organizations, and health care settings, including in rural areas, to improve cancer prevention and control outcomes.

Dr. Brandt joined St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in July 2020 after 16 years on faculty in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, and most recently as associate dean in the Graduate School and professor of health promotion, education, and behavior in the Arnold School. She lives in Memphis, Tennessee with her husband, Forrest Alton, who runs their consulting business, 1000 Feathers, LLC, which seeks to bridge the divide between vision and strategy to achieve meaningful results.

She is the recipient of several awards, including the 2017 J. Marion Sims Award for contributions to public health (South Carolina Public Health Association), 2016 Norman J. Arnold Alumni Medal (Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina), 2015 James A. Keith Excellence in Teaching Award (Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina), 2014 Crescent Award (South Carolina Coalition for Healthy Families), 2014 Tribute to Women In Industry Award for Health (Palmetto Center for Women), and 2016 Judith R. Miller Award and 2013 Early Career Award from the Public Health Education and Health Promotion Section of the American Public Health Association. She is a member of the American Journal of Public Health Editorial Board, National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, and additional national and local professional organizations.