Ganga Bey
Chapel Hill,NC
Summary
A dynamic Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a proven track record in developing and adapting complex theoretical ideas to practical health research applications among racially and gender minoritized populations, evidenced by a strong publication record. Having secured a multitude of federal grants both as a Principal Investigator and as a grant writing consultant, I leverage my exceptional oral and written communication skills to advance the development of innovative, cutting-edge science. My leadership capabilities are evidenced in the successful management of multi-stakeholder collaborations and long history of student mentorship. Drawing on feminist and other social theories, my career as an epidemiologist demonstrates a clear commitment and capability to improving the health of minoritized populations through impactful, innovative and justice-oriented health research.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2023.08 - Current
- As Principal Investigator (PI) of an ancillary study to the ongoing Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort, I conduct research to empirically test hypotheses generated from a previously developed innovative health disparities theoretical framework toward identifying novel interventions on racial and gender health disparities. Specifically, my research exists at the intersection of epidemiology, biology of aging, and social theory, including intersectionality theory and other feminist paradigms, with an emphasis on uncovering novel sources of psychosocial resilience to the impact of social stressors on aging over the life course.
- Regularly submit grant proposals to federal funding agencies as PI and Co-Investigator
- Manage research budgets and subcontracts
- Build strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Evaluate student performance through comprehensive assessments, identifying areas of improvement and providing targeted feedback for growth.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of race, gender, and health by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars relevant to the field of study.
- Contribute to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
Grant Writing Specialist
Eva Garland Consulting
2022.10 - Current
- Provide grant writing support for small businesses, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and individuals both nationally and internationally seeking non-dilutive funding.
- Secured funding for clients from several state and federal funding agencies including the NIH and Department of Education drawing on my extensive, in-depth knowledge of funding mechanisms, budget development, and contract management, as well as grant writing expertise.
- Mentor junior writers to improve their skills and enhance overall team performance.
- Assist clients in developing clear messaging strategies that resonated with target audiences across various platforms.
- Enhance client satisfaction by producing high-quality written content tailored to their specific needs.
- Develop targeted writing strategies for various industries, leading to increased client engagement and success rates.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and consistent quality across all assignments.
- Advise clients on appropriate tone, style, and language choices based on their unique audience and objectives.
- Facilitate regular team meetings to review project progress, address challenges, and celebrate successes.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2019.04 - 2023.08
- Conducted research to clarify mechanisms from structural inequity to health inequity, with a specific focus on the ways in which the chronic stress associated with unequal social conditions shape identity processes related to health.
- Refined a new theoretical framework outlining a novel race and gender identity-related characteristic posited to predict stress appraisal, aging rates, and cardiovascular outcomes.
- Contributed to the publication of multiple high-impact research articles, showcasing the significance of the findings.
- Published research results in peer-reviewed sociology and epidemiology journals and presented at seminars and scientific meetings.
- Enhanced research quality by designing and executing rigorous experiments in a timely manner.
- Leveraged interpersonal and communication skills to mentor PhD, graduate and undergraduate students.
Cardiovascular Research Predoctoral Fellow
University of Massachusetts Medical School
2017.06 - 2019.04
- Conceptualized, designed, and conducted dissertation research using secondary, longitudinal data to examine gendered racial and geographic differences in the experience of discrimination, the synergistic effect of reported gender and racial discrimination exposure on the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and gendered racial variation in predictors of incident CVD. This line of investigation sought to address some of the theoretical, epidemiological, and statistical challenges arising from racial and gender health disparities research through an innovative application of intersectionality theory to advanced epidemiological and statistical techniques.
- Secured funding for research projects through successful grant applications and external collaborations.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and provided constructive feedback for improvement in coursework.
- Conducted extensive literature reviews, identifying key areas for future research and guiding project direction.
- Developed strong working relationships with faculty members across departments to foster collaboration on multidisciplinary projects.
- Developed new methodologies for data collection and interpretation, advancing the field of study.
Project Manager
University of Massachusetts Medical School
2016.06 - 2018.06
- Oversaw a pilot study adapting a mindfulness curriculum to address violence-based trauma among young men of color. I was actively involved in many aspects of the research process, including completing IRB submissions, obtaining informed consent from participants, facilitating focus groups, and writing required progress reports and a secondary grant proposal.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
Research Assistant
University Of Massachusetts T. Chan Medical School
2015.06 - 2017.06
- Collaborated on the development and implementation of social determinants of health (SDH) measures in risk adjustment and payment formulas for MassHealth, the state-funded insurance provider. Responsibilities included reviewing literature for the current expert consensus on the most important SDH and best practices for addressing SDH through public health policy and drafting the findings. Our research culminated in a poster presentation at the 2017 National Health Policy Conference and a report presented to the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
Research Assistant
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
2012.09 - 2015.01
- Conducted literature reviews, survey development, methodological implementation, and data collection of a community-based participatory research study aimed at determining the prevalence of bicycle ownership and usage, and assessing potential community improvements to increase bicycle use in two low-income neighborhoods. This research underscored the necessity of structural changes such as bike lanes, secure bike storage, street lighting, and crime reduction in promoting physical activity through increased cycling among certain populations.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing quality.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
Project Manager
NYC Department of Mental Health and Hygiene
2013.05 - 2013.09
- Managed the collection, entry, and coding of data on cycling in two Brooklyn neighborhoods. Through video-recorded observation of bike lane activity as well as intercept surveying of cyclists, the aim of this study was to better understand the needs of cyclists. This research ultimately sought to optimize safety and encourage physical activity through increasing cycling in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
Cancer Research Undergraduate Fellow
NYU, Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery
2010.06 - 2012.08
- Assisted in the characterization of cell-signaling pathways involved in tumorgenesis.
- Key responsibilities included designing and conducting experiments with MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, as well as analysis of results, which were reported weekly.
- Participated in workshops and conferences to broaden knowledge of field-specific topics.
- Maintained organized records of research activities, facilitating efficient project management for the entire team.
- Contributed to the submission of conference papers and academic journal articles, showcasing the team’s research efforts.
- Furthered the mission of NYU School of Medicine by providing additional insight on druggable targets for cancer therapies.
Education
Postdoctoral Researcher - Epidemiology
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC08.2023
Ph.D. - Epidemiology
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Worcester, MA06.2019
Master of Public Health - Health Promotion And Disease Prevention
Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai
New York, NY01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology And African American Studies
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ06.2009
Skills
Exceptional oral and written communication skills
Ability to lead multi-stakeholder collaborations
Mentoring students
Strong track record in peer-reviewed publication and service
Ability to adapt complex theoretical ideas to practical application in health research, particularly as pertains to race, gender, and the mental health of marginalized populations
Additional Information
Books and Chapters:
1. Woods-Giscombe CL and Bey, GS. Stress, Coping, Adaptation and Health Behavior. In K. Glanz, B.K. Rimer, and V. Viswanath (Eds). Health Behavior: Theory, Research and Practice, 6th ed. (in press).
2. Bey, GS. Health disparities at the intersection of gender and race: beyond Intersectionality Theory in epidemiologic research. In S.G. Taukeni and F. Irtelli (Eds). Quality of Life - Biopsychosocial Perspectives, ISBN 978-1-83968-481-4 (2020). doi:10.5772/intechopen.92248
Peer-reviewed Publications:
1. Love, S. A. M., Collins, J. M., Anthony, K. M., Buchheit, S. F., Butler, E. N., Bey, G. S., ... & Whitsel, E. A. (2024). Individual and Neighborhood-level Socioeconomic Status and Somatic Mutations Associated With Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in the Women's Health Initiative. Women's Health Issues, 34(2), 197-207.
2. Snigdha Jain, Bey, GS, Sarah N Forrester, Annalise Rahman-Filipiak, Nicole Thompson Gonzalez, Darina V Petrovsky, Stephen B Kritchevsky, Tina E Brinkley (2024). Aging, Race, and Health Disparities: Recommendations From the Research Centers Collaborative Network, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 79, Issue 6, June 2024, gbae028, doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbae028
3. Bey, GS, Pike JR, Xiao Q, Yu B, Shah A, and Palta P. (2023). The relationship of neighborhood disadvantage, biological aging, and psychosocial risk and resilience factors in heart failure incidence among Black persons: A moderated mediation analysis. Journal of Gerontology: Series B Psychological Sciences, DOI:10.1093/geronb/gbad121
4. Bey, G. S., Pike, J. R., & Palta, P. (2023). Distinct moderating pathways for psychosocial risk and resilience in the association of neighborhood disadvantage with incident heart failure among Black persons. SSM-Population Health, 24, 101475.
5. Woods-Giscombe, C. L., Williams, K. P., Conklin, J., Dodd, A., Bravo, L., Anderson, A.M., Frazier, T., Bey, GS, Robinson, M.N., Warren, B. J., Wright, K., Felix, A. S., Anderson, C. M., & Hood, D. A systematic, scoping review and conceptual analysis of resilience in African American women. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2023.04.008
6. Bey GS. The Identity Vitality-Pathology model: A novel theoretical framework proposing “identity state” as a modulator of the pathways from structural to health inequity (2022). Social Science and Medicine, 314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115495
7. Xiao Q, Heiss G, Kucharska-Newton A, Bey GS, Love SM, and Whitsel EA. Life-course Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Cardiovascular Events in Black and White Adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (2022). American Journal of Epidemiology, 191(8):1470-1484. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwac070.
8. Bey, GS, Pike J, Palta P, Xiao Q, Love SM, and Heiss G. Biological age mediates the effects of neighborhood disadvantage on heart failure risk among African Americans in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities and Jackson Heart Study cohorts (2022). Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-022-01476-3
9. Lu Y…Bey GS…Heiss G. Aging-related multisystem dysregulation over the adult lifespan and physical function in later life: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (2022). Journal of Gerontology, doi: 10.1093/gerona/glac236
10. Castaneda-Avila MA, Jesdale BM, Beccia A, Bey GS, Epstein MM. Differences in Survival Among Multiple Myeloma Patients in the United States SEER Population by Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Race/Ethnicity (2021). Cancer Causes and Control, 32(9):1021-1028. doi: 10.1007/s10552-021-01454-w.
11. Giscombe C, Lobel M, Brooks J, Sheffield-Abdullah K, Bey GS et. al. Using Food to Cope with Culturally-Relevant Stress is Associated with Body Mass Index in African American Women. Nursing Research 2021;70(5S Suppl 1):S53-S62. doi: 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000532
12. López-Cepero A, Frisard C, Bey GS, Lemon S, and Rosal MC. The association between food insecurity and emotional eating in Latinos is mediated by perceived stress (2020). Public Health Nutrition, 23(4):642-648.
13. Bey GS, Person SD, and Kiefe C. Gendered race and setting matter: Sources of complexity in the relationships between reported interpersonal discrimination and cardiovascular health in the CARDIA study (2020). Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 7(4):687-697.
14. Bey GS, Jesdale BM, Forrester S, Person SD, and Kiefe C. Intersectional effects of racial and gender discrimination on cardiovascular health vary among black and white women and men in the CARDIA Study (2019), Social Science and Medicine-Population Health, doi: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100446.
15. Bey GS, Jesdale, BM, Ulbricht CM, Mick EO, and Person SD. Variation in Allostatic Load Biomarker Associations with Depression among US Black and White Women and Men (2018). Healthcare, 6(3):105.
16. Bey GS, Ulbricht CM, and Person SD. Theories for Race and Gender Differences in Management of Social Identity-related Stressors: A Systematic Review (2018). Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, doi: 10.1007/s40615-018-0507-9
17. Sanchez SH, Thanik E, Bey GS, Papazaharias DM, Onyebeke LC, Oh J, Syldort M, Wolf S, and Garland EJ. Assessment of Bicycle Use Among Residents in Affordable Housing in New York City (2017). Science Journal of Public Health, 6(5):127.
18. Bey, GS, Waring ME, Jesdale BM, and Person SD. Gendered Race Modification of the Association between Chronic Stress and Depression among Black and White U.S. Adults (2016). American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 88(2):151-160.
19. Garland E, Baban K, Garland V, Bey GS, Sanchez SH. One Step at a Time Towards Better Health: Active Design in Affordable Housing (2014). Environmental Justice, Vol. 7.
Submitted manuscripts:
1. Eguchi E, Prizment A, Wang S, Sedaghat S, Nagayoshi M, Everson-Rose S, Sullivan K, Bey G, Kucharska-Newton A, Coresh J, Guan W, and Lutsey P. Social networks, social support, and association with Age Acceleration of Proteomic Aging Clocks: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.
Manuscripts in Preparation:
1. Bey, GS, Waheed ZI, Carmody M. Development of the Identity Vitality-Pathology Scale: A novel measure of health-relevant identity-based influences on stress and coping.
2. Bey, GS et. al. Anger expression moderates the effects of neighborhood disadvantage on brain health among African Americans in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities and Jackson Heart Study cohorts.
3. Bey, GS et. al. Self-reported Discrimination and cognitive decline: An intersectional analysis of the KHANDLE-STAR cohort.
Refereed and Other Products of Scholarships
1. Diego Ramonfaur, Rani Zierath, Victoria Arthur…Bey, GS…Amil M. Shah. Proteomic Measures Linking Social Determinants of Health to Heart Failure Risk: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (American Heart Association Scientific Sessions), Philadelphia, PA 2023 (Oral)
2. Bey, GS. The role of the social exposome and social determinants of health in resilience to stressors (American Geriatrics Society Annual Meeting), Long Beach, CA 2023 (Oral)
3. Bey, GS. Characterizing pathways from social stressors to cognitive health disparities (Sticht Center Conference on Aging), Winston-Salem, NC 2022 (Oral)
4. Bey, GS, Pike J, Palta P, Manly JJ, Barnes LL, Barber S, and Heiss G. Anger moderates the effects of neighborhood disadvantage on cognitive decline among African Americans in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities and Jackson Heart Study cohorts (Alzheimer’s Association International Conference), San Diego, CA 2022. (Poster)
5. Bey, GS, Pike J, Palta P, Xiao Q, Love SM, Barber S, and Heiss G. Biological age mediates the effects of neighborhood disadvantage on heart failure risk among Black persons in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities and Jackson Heart Study cohorts (Interdisciplinary Association for Population Health Science Annual Conference), Minneapolis, MN 2022. (Oral)
6. Bey, GS, Pike J, Palta P, Xiao Q, Love SM, Barber S, and Heiss G. Optimism moderates the association of neighborhood disadvantage with incident heart failure among Black persons in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities and Jackson Heart Study cohorts (American Heart Association EPI|LIFESTYLE Conference), Chicago, IL 2022. (Poster)
7. Bey GS, Person SD, and Kiefe CI. Gendered race and setting matter: Sources of complexity in the relationships between reported interpersonal discrimination and cardiovascular health in the CARDIA study (Society for Epidemiologic Research Annual Meeting), Minneapolis, MN 2019. (Oral)
8. Bey GS, Person SD, and Kiefe CI. Intersectional effects of racial and gender discrimination on cardiovascular health vary among black and white women and men in the CARDIA Study (American Heart Association EPI|LIFESTYLE Conference), Houston, TX 2019. (Poster)
9. Bey GS, Person, SD, and Kiefe, CI. Race, sex, and geographical variation in perceived racial discrimination: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study (American Heart Association EPI|LIFESTYLE Conference), New Orleans, LA 2018. (Poster)
10. López-Cepero A, Bey GS, Lemon S, and Rosal MC. The association between Food Insecurity and Emotional Eating in Latinos is mediated by perceived stress (Nutrition), Boston, MA 2018.
11. Bey, GS, and Person, SD. Variation in Allostatic Load biomarker association with Depression among Black and White Women and Men (Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association), San Diego, CA 2017.
12. Bey GS, Ash A, Cabral L, and Gurewich, D. Whether and How to Include Social Determinants of Health in Care Delivery Risk Adjustment: A Select Review of State-of-the-Art Opinions and Practice (National Health Policy Conference), Washington, D.C. 2017. (Poster)
13. Bey, GS, and Person, SD. Race/Sex Modification of the Association between Allostatic Load and Depression: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2010 (UMass Center for Clinical and Translation Science conference), Worcester, MA 2016.
14. Gurewich, D; Willis G; Cabral L; Bey GS; Eanet F; Clark M; and Ash A. Risk Adjustment in MassHealth Payment and Care Delivery Reform: Qualitative Research Report (2016) (Research Paper).
Theses/Dissertations:
1. Bey, GS. “Interpersonal discrimination, gendered race, and cardiovascular disease disparities: Application of the emerging Identity Pathology Model”, University of Massachusetts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Library, Thesis Advisor: Sharina Person (2019) (Doctoral thesis).
2. Bey, GS. “Physical activity and obesity among women in the South Bronx: A cross-sectional study”, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Library, Supervisor: Elizabeth Garland (2014) (Master’s thesis).
3. Bey, GS. “Living Illness: Memoirs of a Young Black Woman”, Princeton University Library, Supervisor: Carol Greenhouse (2009) (Undergraduate senior thesis).
Timeline
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2023.08 - Current
Grant Writing Specialist
Eva Garland Consulting
2022.10 - Current
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2019.04 - 2023.08
Cardiovascular Research Predoctoral Fellow
University of Massachusetts Medical School
2017.06 - 2019.04
Project Manager
University of Massachusetts Medical School
2016.06 - 2018.06
Research Assistant
University Of Massachusetts T. Chan Medical School
2015.06 - 2017.06
Project Manager
NYC Department of Mental Health and Hygiene
2013.05 - 2013.09
Research Assistant
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
2012.09 - 2015.01
Cancer Research Undergraduate Fellow
NYU, Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery
2010.06 - 2012.08
Postdoctoral Researcher - Epidemiology
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Ph.D. - Epidemiology
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Master of Public Health - Health Promotion And Disease Prevention
Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology And African American Studies
Princeton University
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