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Director, Center for Global Cancer Control
Associate Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
Vice Chair, Research
Interim Associate Director, Population Science and Cancer Control, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center
Chief Executive Officer, University of Cincinnati Research and Training Alliance - Zambia
Leeya F. Pinder, MD, MPH, is a distinguished gynecologic oncologist and global health clinician whose commitment to advancing women's health is reflected in her extensive research and clinical practice. With a focus on implementing clinical trials that cater specifically to women in low- and middle-income countries, Dr. Pinder works to expand access to equitable cancer care for women from historically marginalized communities.
Her efforts target the critical human resource gaps and strive to reduce disparities in outcomes related to gynecologic cancers. Among her many passions, Dr. Pinder is particularly dedicated to combating cervical cancer, a disease that is largely preventable. Her clinical approach combines prevention, patient-centered care, and the development of contextually relevant interventions, positioning her as a leader in the fight against cancer.
Despite numerous honors and accolades for her significant contributions to healthcare, Dr. Pinder prioritizes service above all else. Each day, she embraces the privilege of caring for women during profoundly challenging moments, ensuring they receive the support and compassion they need throughout their journeys.
Clinical Research Project Manager
Cynthia Spikes serves as a Clinical Research Project Manager at the UC Center for Global Cancer Control, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing research and implementing educational initiatives aimed at improving cancer care globally. With her extensive background in public health focused research, Cynthia is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by underserved populations, particularly in gynecologic cancers. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to develop and evaluate projects that enhance access to screening, prevention, and treatment services. Cynthia's commitment to integrating community needs with scientific advancements exemplifies the Center's mission to foster health equity and elevate standards of care in cancer control worldwide.
Assistant Research Professor
Lucrecia Mena-Meléndez, PhD, MA (she/her/ella) is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. Dr. Mena-Meléndez is a bilingual, bicultural sociologist, demographer, and population health scientist whose research examines how structural, cultural, and linguistic inequities shape reproductive and gynecologic health across the U.S. and Latin America. Her work spans abortion and contraceptive access, patient-centered communication, health policy, and disparities in preventive care—areas that directly inform inequities in cervical and gynecologic cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. She leverages quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches—including advanced survey design, cross-cultural measurement, and community-engaged research—to generate actionable, equity-focused evidence for clinical and public health partners. She has published nearly 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as SSM–Population Health, Contraception, Psychology of Women Quarterly, and the Journal of Medical Internet Research. She is the recipient of the Society of Family Planning’s Next Generation Award and the Changemaker in Family Planning Award and serves as PI, Co-PI, or collaborator on multiple funded research projects. She earned her PhD in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and holds a Certificate of Training in Demography and Population Studies from the California Center for Population Research. Dr. Mena-Meléndez is committed to expanding pathways for equitable cancer prevention and control for historically marginalized communities.
Research Scientist
Sunni Wenson, MPH is a research scientist in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Cincinnati. As a global public health professional, Sunni has spent 10+ years targeting and increasing access to health education and services for adolescents, young women, and other vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa and the US. Before joining UC, she lived in and supported various HIV prevention care and treatment projects and research in Zambia. She has partnered with community-based organizations on capacity building for equitable and inclusive care to address population disparities. Sunni is dedicated to eliminating barriers to care for underserved and high-risk populations, globally
Summer Undergraduate Student Researcher
MaKala A. Sharp a Summer Undergraduate Student Researcher contributing to community-focused HPV education and self-testing research under the mentorship of Dr. Leeya Pinder and Dr. Melinda Butsch-Kovacic. Her work integrates community-based participatory methods through collaboration with the We Engage for Health Community Research Advisory Board, where she supports the co-design of culturally informed cervical cancer prevention tools.
MaKala is a junior biology major and chemistry minor at Xavier University of Louisiana. In addition to her academic pursuits, she holds several leadership roles on campus, including Community Service Chair of the Memphis Club and President of the C.A.R.E. Club. She is also a Fall 2025 initiate of the Gamma Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. MaKala intends to pursue a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology with a focus on equitable, community-centered women’s health.
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