Dr. Heather Pines

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Heather Pines is an Associate Adjunct Professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the University of California, San Diego. Her research primarily focuses on the intersection of public health and behavioral science, particularly in relation to HIV transmission and prevention strategies. She has been awarded grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct significant research involving men who have sex with men (MSM) and substance use in relation to HIV-related risk behaviors. Among her notable research projects, Pines served as Principal Investigator on initiatives examining sexual networks and their impact on HIV transmission clusters, alongside the implementation and effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among various populations. Her published works delve into topics such as peer-driven education for young MSM of color and the implications of new prevention technologies. Pines collaborates extensively with various co-authors in the field, contributing to the broader understanding of how social and behavioral factors influence health outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Research Interests

Experience

Principal Investigator

2020-09-15 — 2023-08-31

National Institutes of Health • La Jolla, CA

Led research on Sexual Networks and HIV Transmission Clusters focused on substance-using MSM.

Principal Investigator

2015-08-01 — 2021-07-31

National Institutes of Health • La Jolla, CA

Conducted research on HIV-related risk behaviors among MSM to inform new prevention technologies.

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).