Education
BA Biology, Political Science, Boston University, 2010
MPH Epidemiology, Boston University, 2014
PhD Epidemiology, University of Washington, 2024
Contact
Bio
Dr. Ramya Kumar is an epidemiologist, writer, and educator with expertise in global health, outbreak response, and science communication. She has led HIV prevention and health system research in Southern Africa and brings outbreak investigation field experience from cholera to bubonic plague. Her work centers on participatory methods to elevate community knowledge that is often excluded from mainstream research. She teaches epidemiology, scientific writing, and health communication.
Research Areas
Research Interests
• stigma, infectious disease, and community-led health systems
• public engagement with science through storytelling and media
• participatory methods and narrative inquiry in wellness
Link for publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jNgnaq4AAAAJ&hl=en
Recent Publications (PubMed)
(2025)
PLOS Glob Public Health 5(6): e0004461
Kumar R, Mwale C, Maritim P, Phiri J, Barrington W, Zyambo R, Zimba M, Mugwanya K, Herce M, Musheke M, Rao D, Sharma A
(2024 Sep 5)
BMJ Open 14(9): e080218
Kumar R, Rao D, Sharma A, Phiri J, Zimba M, Phiri M, Zyambo R, Kalo GM, Chilembo L, Kunda PM, Mulubwa C, Ngosa B, Mugwanya KK, Barrington WE, Herce ME, Musheke M
(2024)
PLOS Glob Public Health 4(6): e0003329
Bwembya J, Kumar R, Musonda V, Chimzizi R, Kasese-Chanda N, Goma L, Kabaso M, Mihova R, Nyimbili S, Makwambeni V, Nyirenda S, Mwinga A, Lungu P
(2023)
PLOS Glob Public Health 3(2): e0001234
Chaaba E, Bwembya J, Nyambe E, Kumar R, Thior I, Seraphine K, Chongwe G, Makwambeni V, Musonda V, Kasese-Chanda P, Mwinga A
(2020 Apr 7)
Neurology 94(14): e1495-e1501
Siddiqi OK, Kapina M, Kumar R, Ngomah Moraes A, Kabwe P, Mazaba ML, Hachaambwa L, Ng'uni NM, Chikoti PC, Morel-Espinosa M, Jarrett JM, Baggett HC, Chizema-Kawesha E
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