Deborah Gurgel Smith

Public health researcher and academic with a strong focus on epidemiology, HIV research, and health disparities. Currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Louisiana State University Health Science Shreveport, contributing to research, teaching, and public health education.

Holds a PhD and Master’s in Public Health from Universidade Federal do Ceará, with research centered on HIV testing behaviors and seroprevalence, particularly among underserved populations such as incarcerated women in Brazil. Led large-scale, nationally funded research projects, managed multi-state field teams, and produced multiple peer-reviewed publications.

International experience as a visiting scholar at Tulane University further strengthened expertise in public health, statistics, and academic instruction. Known for combining rigorous research, effective teaching, and a commitment to improving health outcomes through evidence-based policy and education.