As an epidemiologist and a medical doctor, Dr. Norris studies sexual and reproductive health with a goal of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and improving reproductive outcomes for women and men. She has a particular interest in understanding how context (e.g., endemic disease, social norms, demographic factors, and cultural and institutional structures) influences health and disease. Methodologically, she focuses on using innovative methods to obtain high quality data about sensitive and stigmatized topics. Much of her research has been conducted in eastern and southern Africa, and Dr. Norris has had the opportunity to work with fantastic research collaborators.

Dr. Norris joined the faculty at The Ohio State University in September 2011 as an Assistant Professor with appointments in the Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and the Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine. As a faculty member, her goal is to develop, conduct, and evaluate epidemiologic and social science research that will lead to improvements in sexual and reproductive health.

Partnering with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and health practitioners at OSU and in Malawi, Dr. Norris has initiated a new program of research in Malawi called Umoyo Patsogolo (Health for the Future). Early goals of the project include understanding how women’s and men’s decision making impacts 1) fertility, family planning, pregnancy, and childbirth; and 2) HIV and STI testing and treatment. With pilot funding from several grants, the research team is conducting a community-based survey in 1,000 households that will serve as the baseline for a longitudinal cohort study. This research partnership and community cohort serve as an ideal platform for investigating complex sexual and reproductive health research questions.

As an MD/PhD student, Dr. Norris conducted a multi-year, multi-disciplinary study of sexual behavior and STIs among plantation residents near Moshi, Tanzania.

As a post-doctoral fellow, she studied contraceptive use and the consequences of unwanted pregnancy in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Dr. Norris's Seed Grant:

• (2012, 2014)  Choices and constraints in reproductive health decision making among Malawian women
• (2013)  Female genital schistosomiasis, HIV and infertility among rural Malawian women