Two faculty members from Northwestern University are set to speak at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Boston on February 14. The discussions will address the health needs of incarcerated populations and the use of implementation research to improve HIV prevention and treatment in low- and middle-income countries.
The AAAS is recognized as the largest multi-disciplinary science society globally, with its annual event serving as a platform for scientists, educators, policymakers, and journalists to explore new developments in science, technology, and policy. Journalists interested in attending can register through AAAS’ media registration site.
Linda Teplin, an expert on health issues within criminal justice populations at Northwestern University, has organized a panel discussion titled "Aging and Ailing Behind Bars in the United States." Her presentation will examine how incarceration affects socioeconomic attainment, interpersonal relationships, and mental health over time. This session is scheduled from 10-11 a.m. (ET) at room 202 of the Hynes Convention Center.
Dr. Lisa Hirschhorn, known for her work in global health disparities and as an HIV physician-scientist, will participate in a session discussing modern science's role in shaping global health strategies. Her talk titled "Implementation Research and Health Informatics to Mitigate Health Care Disparities" will focus on using implementation research to prevent and treat HIV alongside other conditions. This session will take place from 4-5 p.m. (ET) at room 304 of the Hynes Convention Center.
Teplin holds the Owen L. Coon Professorship of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. She has led the Northwestern Juvenile Project for nearly two decades—a comprehensive longitudinal study examining delinquent youth's health needs post-detention.
Teplin’s session aims to address:
- The disproportionate incarceration rates among racial and ethnic minority groups.
- Long-term impacts of incarceration on physical health and psychosocial outcomes.
- The shortcomings of current policies addressing racial health inequities stemming from mass incarceration.
Hirschhorn serves as director of the Robert J. Havey MD Institute for Global Health’s Ryan Family Center for Global Primary Care at Northwestern University while also holding a professorship in medical social sciences. Her research targets gaps in healthcare quality and delivery within resource-limited settings both domestically and internationally.
Hirschhorn’s session will discuss:
- How implementation research addresses real-world challenges by developing practical solutions that integrate life-saving interventions into practice.
- Effective strategies for implementing existing and novel interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery while reducing suffering across low- to middle-income countries.