Student Feature: Advancing Cervical Cancer Prevention Through Research, Education and Community Health

For Nubwa St. James, public health research is more than a career path — it is a way to transform lived experiences into solutions that can improve health outcomes for communities.

As a PhD student in the Health Promotion Sciences program at the OU Hudson College of Public Health, St. James is investigating how barriers to prevention, communication and access impact cervical cancer outcomes.

Her journey into public health began with a background in pharmacy and early career experiences in Nigeria, where she worked in HIV care and community health outreach. Through those experiences, she discovered that prevention and education were at the heart of the work she wanted to pursue.

“I realized I was already doing public health work, but it was one person at a time.”

That realization led her to pursue research that could create broader, population-level impact.

Today, St. James’ work focuses on cervical cancer prevention, specifically examining factors that influence HPV vaccination and screening access. Using national data from the National Health Interview Survey, she found that individuals with lower English proficiency are significantly less likely to receive the HPV vaccine — highlighting the role communication and accessibility play in shaping health outcomes.

For St. James, the research is personal. After witnessing preventable deaths from cervical cancer in her community, she became determined to better understand and address the barriers that keep people from accessing lifesaving prevention tools.

“There’s no reason people should be dying from something that is preventable.”

Her research reflects the mission of public health: identifying challenges, understanding communities and developing strategies that can create meaningful change.

Throughout her doctoral journey, St. James has shared her work at major research events, including the Stephenson Cancer Center Research Symposium and the GREAT Symposium. These opportunities have helped her grow as a researcher and communicate findings that can inform future interventions.

As she prepares for her comprehensive exams and looks toward her dissertation, St. James hopes to continue blending research and teaching to help advance the next generation of public health professionals.

For students considering a graduate program at HCOPH, she encourages prospective students to explore their options and find a program that aligns with their goals.

“Gather as much information as you can and make sure the program is the right fit for you.”

Through her research, St. James demonstrates the impact of student-driven discovery at HCOPH — where curiosity, experience and a commitment to healthier communities come together to address some of public health’s most pressing challenges.