Lucile L Adams-Campbell

Lucile L. Adams-Campbell (born December 30, 1953) is the first African-American woman to receive a PhD in epidemiology in the United States. She serves as the Professor of Oncology at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and associate director for Minority Health at the Georgetown University Medical Center. She is a Fellow of the National Academy of Medicine, and the Washington DC Hall of Fame.

Early life and education Adams-Campell was born in Washington, D.C. Her father, David, was a linguist and her mother, Florence, was a teacher. As a student, she worked as an apprentice on naval ships. For her doctoral studies, Adams-Campbell joined the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and graduated with a PhD in epidemiology in 1983.

Research and career In 1995, she was appointed Director of the Howard University Cancer Center. At the time, she was the only Black woman to lead any cancer institute. Her research primarily focuses on understanding health disparities, especially cancers such as breast, prostate and colon cancers that disproportionately affect African-Americans. Adams-Campbell's work uses clinical trials, cancer epidemiology and etiology along with lifestyle interventions and has led to over 200 peer-reviewed publications and international recognition as an expert in minority health and health disparities research. She is also the associate Director for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research, Senior Associate Dean for Community Outreach and Engagement, and is the Program Director of the Master's in Epidemiology Program, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Georgetown University in addition to being a member of the National Academy of Medicine. One of Dr. Adams-Campbell's recent achievements is serving as the lead researcher for the National Minority/Underserved NCI Community Oncology research Program. This program focuses on cancer prevention and makes sure that questions about health differences and equity are included in all of its studies. 2004 AACR Distinguished Service Award, American Association for Cancer Research, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 2009 Washington DC Hall of Fame, Washington DC Hall of Fame Society, Washington, DC 2015 member of Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee 2019 received the Aileen O'Brien Graef Speaker Award 2021 awarded the Joseph F. Fraumeni, Jr. Distinguished Achievement Award Previously served as Chair of the American Association for Cancer Research.