Michele K. Evans, M.D.

The biologic and molecular pathways through which the health and longevity trajectories of individuals in American society are influenced are unknown currently. We conduct interdisciplinary clinical and basic science research focused on examining the underlying cause of the disproportionate incidence, morbidity, and mortality of age-related disease among various segments of the American population. The approach provides a two-way bridge between basic science laboratory studies and clinical research that spans from epidemiologic populations to the bench. The laboratory dissects the interaction of the exogenous and endogenous aspects of the exposome environmental exposure, biologic vulnerabilities, genetics, and social environment to garner insights into how these interactions result in disproportionate rates of age-related disease and disability. Our study, Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) provides a cohort for translational research studies to facilitate investigation of health disparities in terms of a medical/biologic phenotype that may be amenable to dissection by bench scientists examining the molecular aspects of aging, disease, and disability. The goal is to identify targets for translation or intervention to ameliorate health disparities.

Dr. Michele K. Evans, an internist and medical oncologist, received an undergraduate degree from Barnard College, Columbia University, and a medical degree from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, The Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway. She received her postgraduate training in internal medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and fellowship training in medical oncology within the Medicine Branch of the Clinical Oncology Program at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Dr. Evans serves as Deputy Scientific Director, NIA as well as the Training Director for the NIA Intramural Research Program. Trained as a physician scientist, she conducts epidemiologic clinical research in health disparities and basic bench research on the biology of health disparities and minority aging.