Barbara Van der pol, PhD

Dr. Van Der Pol have been involved in laboratory-based epidemiologic and behavioral research in the field of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV for more than 35 years. She has extensive experience with development and evaluation of molecular diagnostic assays and have spent 2 decades working in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean region providing technology transfer, capacity building and quality improvement training.  Dr. Van Der Pol’s research and service interests align as she try to assess how to best use new diagnostic tools to provide increased access to and utilization of sexual health care.  She currently serve as the President of the American STD Association and the President-Elect of the International Society for STD Research and the North American Chair of the International Union Against STIs.