Epidemiology PhD Student Applies a Gender Lens to Hepatitis C Elimination

ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 19, 2026) — Zhi Chen, an epidemiology PhD student at the University at Albany’s College of Integrated Health Sciences, is conducting research aimed at supporting the elimination of hepatitis C as a public health concern in New York.

Chen’s work is part of the New York State Incidence Survey for Infectious Disease Elimination (InSIDE) project, led by Associate Professor Tomoko Udo. The project focuses on improving hepatitis C prevention and treatment among people who inject drugs. Using data from the project, Chen examined whether women and men who inject drugs differ in their likelihood of hepatitis C infection and whether the factors associated with infection vary by sex. 

“Applying a gender lens is crucial for effective hepatitis C elimination strategies,” Chen said. 

While men account for a larger share of total hepatitis C cases, Chen’s research found that women who inject drugs experience comparable levels of risk. The study also showed that women are less likely to initiate and complete hepatitis C treatment. In addition, the factors associated with hepatitis C risk differed between women and men. 

“For women, factors such as housing instability and employment status appeared to play a particularly important role. These findings suggest that specific approaches may be needed when designing prevention and treatment interventions specifically for women,” Chen said. 

Her interest in the topic stems from her academic focus on harm reduction, women’s health and research involving people who use drugs. She joined Udo’s research team in August 2024 to further explore these areas while building skills in epidemiologic methods, quantitative analysis and literature review. 

Chen presented her findings from the InSIDE project at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting in 2025, where she connected with public health professionals from a range of disciplines and received feedback on her research. 

“It was inspiring to be surrounded by people who are passionate about public health,” she said. “It also reinforced the importance of collaboration across research, practice and policy for making true change.” 

As a doctoral student in epidemiology, Chen notes that her coursework and research experience at UAlbany have strengthened her methodological and communication skills. Opportunities to present her work through class projects and InSIDE staff meetings helped prepare her to present at a national conference. 

“This project was my first experience working with primary data,” Chen said. “Presenting at APHA allowed me to communicate the research to a diverse audience, including clinicians, students, epidemiologists and policy-focused professionals.” 

Chen said the experience is helping prepare her for her long-term goal of pursuing a career in epidemiology. 

“Through projects like this and subsequent presentations, students like Zhi gain the skills to translate research into real-world public health impact, which is central to our mission at the College of Integrated Health Sciences,” said Udo. “Our goal is to ensure that research conducted here ultimately benefits communities and strengthens public health systems, leading to a healthier New York.”