Samantha Hurst, PhD,

Samantha Hurst, PhD, is a Professor in the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health

and Human Longevity Science at the University of California San Diego and a

member of the Cancer Control Program at Moores Cancer Center. Originally trained

as a medical anthropologist, her work examines the social and structural influences

shaping cancer prevention and early detection in under-resourced communities. She is particularly dedicated to community-partnered research that translates local priorities into practical strategies for reducing barriers to screening, follow-up, and timely care.

Her current work increasingly centers on cancer prevention and early detection,

particularly breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up care. She has served as a Co-Investigator on a Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH XII)

study examining barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination among American Indian

youth, families, and healthcare providers in San Diego County. She is currently the

Principal Investigator of a NARCH XIV proposal under review that focuses on

strengthening breast and cervical cancer screening within a Tribal health system by

identifying approaches that are trusted by patients and families, workable for clinical

staff, and feasible within rural healthcare settings.