STD Research - Williams, Samantha

Research:

Samantha P. Williams, PhD
Research Psychologist

Biography

Dr. Williams' current research projects include: implementing a multi-site, community-level, diffusion intervention for syphilis prevention, a behavioral STD intervention for men newly released from jail, and the in-field evaluation of a software to enhance syphilis case management.

Prior to joining CDC, she was a National Research Science Award Post Doctoral Fellow with the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the Columbia School of Public Health in New York City. After her fellowship, she continued on with the HIV Center as a research scientist. Dr. Williams has taught undergraduate courses in human sexuality for more than seven years, and has conducted sexuality-related workshops for numerous community-based organizations that serve diverse communities. Her previous research experience includes implementing behavioral interventions with gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents as well as heterosexual women living in urban communities, directing a determinant study of HIV-affected mothers and their early adolescents, and co-developing a mass media project to disseminate safer sex messages to urban youth. Dr. Williams has also conducted qualitative studies of HIV sero-concordant heterosexual couples and HIV-positive women in recovery from addiction.

Additional research interests include exploring the impact of urban renewal and population mobility on community health, corrections-focused interventions, dynamics of social exchange and risk behavior within sexual relationships.

Dr. Williams received her undergraduate degree from Norfolk State University in Virginia where she was a Minority Biomedical Research Support Fellow, and her MA/PhD in social psychology from the University of Houston where she was a National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Supported Pre-Doctoral Fellow.

Selected Publications

Leichliter, J.S., Williams, S.P., & Bland, S.D. (2004). Sexually active adults in the United States: Predictors of STDs and utilization of public STD clinics. Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, 16(1), 33-50.

Ortiz-Torres B, Williams SP, Ehrhardt AA. Urban women's gender scripts: Implications for HIV prevention. Culture, Health & Sexuality 2003;5(1):1-17.
Abstract

Hogben M, Williams SP. Exploring the context of women's relationships, sexual behavior and contraceptive strategies. Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality 2001;13(2):1-19.

Williams SP, Gardos SP, Ortiz-Torres B, Tross S, Ehrhardt AA. Urban Women's Negotiation Strategies for Safer Sex with Their Male Partners. Women & Health 2001;33(3/4):149-165.

Miller S, Exner T, Williams SP, Ehrhardt AA. A gender-specific intervention for at-risk women in the USA. AIDS Care 2000;12(5):603-612.
Abstract