Behavioral Scientist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Division of STD Prevention
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta,
GA
USA
30333
vjx3@cdc.gov
Biographical Sketch:
Sept 2013- Present: Behavioral Scientist in Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.
2011-2013: ORISE HIV Prevention in Communities of Color Fellow, Prevention Research Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Neetu Abad earned her PhD and M.A. in Social Psychology from the University of Missouri, and her B.A. in Psychology, English, and Women’s Studies from Truman State University. Dr. Abad is currently a Behavioral Scientist in the Division of STD Prevention and was a past fellow in the Prevention Research Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Abad’s work focuses on empowerment, psychological well-being, and predictors of risky sexual behavior among underserved communities, particularly women and girls of color. Dr. Abad is working on CDC-funded research projects that involve the adaptation of evidence-based behavioral interventions for incarcerated women and girls, and a systematic review of HIV/AIDS prevention interventions for women who engage in sex trading. During the fellowship, Dr. Abad presented her work at the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and the American Public Health Association. In June 2012, Dr. Abad helped launch the National Council on Gender, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to reducing gender-based violence and sexual-risk behavior by promoting programs that incorporate a strong focus on transforming gender norms, increasing gender equity, and policies that acknowledge the importance of transforming norms of femininity and masculinity.