Mission Possible: Using Behavioral Epidemiology to Fight Cancer
Cancer Survivor & Researcher Lectures at BYU
On Thursday, January 12th, Dr. Electra Paskett guest lectured to students about her work as a behavioral epidemiologist. Paskett’s experiences centered on developing and testing interventions to prevent cancer. A cancer survivor herself, she also helps other cancer survivors live better lives.
Dr. Paskett shared her conversion story and how she felt led to the field of epidemiology. “God has blessed me. I know it’s not me. I know that I was meant to do this work,” she said. She has used her training to address disparities in cancer incidents among poor, rural and minority populations.
“Be happy in what you choose,” Paskett advised students. “Remember that when you are in the service of your fellow being being, you are only in the service of your God.”
Paskett is the director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control in the College of Medicine at Ohio State University (OSU) as well as the director of the Center for Cancer Health Equity at the James Cancer Hospital. She has received numerous awards including the American Society of Preventive Oncology Distinguished Achievement Award, The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Jimmie Holland Award, and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
