Dr. Kekoa Taparra

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Kekoa Taparra is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Health Policy and Management at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and Radiation Oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine. He is a physician-scientist with multidisciplinary training in basic science, clinical medicine, and public health. His research focuses on the intersection of molecular oncology, survivorship, health services, and cancer care access. Dr. Taparra earned his PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he studied molecular mechanisms involved in oncogene-induced senescence and reprogramming in lung cancer. His clinical training includes additional focus on mitigating the cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapies. He has authored 80 peer-reviewed publications and has received funding from various prestigious organizations. Dr. Taparra is dedicated to improving health equity, particularly for underserved communities, and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists. He leads a diverse research team addressing cancer disparities through cultural, clinical, and policy lenses.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of California Los Angeles

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:160
Analytical Writing
Required:5
Overall
Required:5
TOEFL
Total
Required:87
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Strong background in Economics and Mathematics
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • GRE General Test scores
Specialization Notes

Department of Economics admits primarily for the PhD program.