Joanne D'Silva, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Branch Director, Intramural Diversity Workforce Branch, Center for Cancer Training

Dr. Joanne D’Silva has over 16 years of experience in conducting applied research, evaluating public health programs and policies, and leading initiatives to advance racial and health equity.

Dr. D’Silva was the former Director of Health Equity Research at ClearWay Minnesota, where she led a competitive research grants program, designed community-tailored surveillance studies, and conducted culturally-responsive evaluations focused on addressing commercial tobacco-related health disparities. Prior to joining NCI, Dr. D’Silva worked as an independent consultant providing professional support services to public health agencies, nonprofits and other organizations on research dissemination activities, strategic planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Dr. D’Silva has dedicated her career to advancing equity among priority populations. With a passion for mentorship and career development, she has provided training and support for researchers from diverse backgrounds. Her research interests include cancer prevention and control, with an emphasis on community-based approaches to reduce the burden of health disparities.

At ClearWay Minnesota, Dr. D’Silva led innovative research to increase understanding of menthol tobacco use among priority populations and the impact of menthol tobacco regulation. Dr. D’Silva also published one of the first studies documenting the tobacco industry’s misappropriation of traditional tobacco and American Indian culture.

Dr. D’Silva was the former co-chair of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Health Disparities Network and Section Councilor for the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Section of the American Public Health Association. She has also served on California’s Tobacco Control Program Evaluation Task Force and as a research advocate with the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.

Dr. D’Silva earned her doctoral degree in Behavioral and Community Health from the University of Maryland School of Public Health. She earned her MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences and a BS in Psychology from the University of Florida.