Dr. Marcelle Dougan is an accomplished epidemiologist, public health leader, and educator with over two decades of expertise spanning academia, research, healthcare, and industry. She holds a Doctor of Science (ScD) in Epidemiology from Harvard University, with minors in biostatistics and maternal and child health. Her dissertation focused on the relationship between body size throughout life, diet quality, and endometrial cancer incidence. In addition, she earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from Columbia University, where her thesis examined the influence of climate on malaria incidence. With an interdisciplinary background that also includes a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London and a Graduate Certificate in Technology Management from Stevens Institute of Technology, Marcelle integrates technical expertise with public health strategies to drive data-driven decision-making and research innovation.

Currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health and Recreation at San José State University (SJSU), Marcelle is dedicated to educating and mentoring the next generation of public health professionals. She served as Program Coordinator for the Undergraduate Public Health Program, overseeing a curriculum that served between 600 and 900 students annually. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, and global health while mentoring students in research, helping them secure competitive grants and scholarships. Under her leadership, SJSU developed an intervention program to improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors and initiated studies on COVID-19 incidence, mental health, and the impact of discrimination on health outcomes.

Beyond her work at SJSU, Marcelle is a Visiting Scientist at Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany, where she examines occupational discrimination, environmental determinants of COVID-19 mortality, and social factors influencing long COVID. She has also held research positions at Stanford University School of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where she conducted groundbreaking studies on breast cancer progression, metabolomics, liver cancer survival, and the genetics of prostate cancer in West Africa. Additionally, she played a key role in the establishment of a cancer registry in Ghana, which has been instrumental in improving cancer surveillance in the region.

Marcelle’s expertise extends into industry leadership, with nearly a decade of experience at Merck & Co., Inc. as a Senior Engineer and Project Manager. In this role, she managed multimillion-dollar pharmaceutical manufacturing projects, optimizing automation processes and ensuring regulatory compliance. Her background in the pharmaceutical sector provides her with a deep understanding of drug development, healthcare innovation, and the intersection of industry and public health policy.

A prolific researcher and public scholar, Marcelle has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles in leading public health and epidemiology publications. Her research focuses on cancer epidemiology, COVID-19, social determinants of health, digital health, discrimination experiences, and epidemiological study design. She has received multiple research grants, including funding from the National Institute on Aging, Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, and San José State University, supporting her work on food insecurity, COVID-19 vaccination, and breast cancer survivorship. Her findings have been widely disseminated in academic conferences, media outlets, and policy discussions, with over 60 media appearances providing expert commentary on public health issues.

Beyond academia and research, Marcelle is an experienced board leader. She served for nine years on the Valley Health Foundation Board, including two years as Board Chair, where she played a pivotal role in guiding strategic initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access in Santa Clara County. She has also contributed to county health boards, racial disparities committees, and national public health task forces, demonstrating a strong commitment to community health advocacy.

In addition to her research and leadership, Marcelle is a certified health and wellness coach, promoting holistic health strategies that integrate nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being. Her international research collaborations in Germany, Ghana, and Zambia have broadened her perspective on global health disparities, allowing her to develop inclusive and culturally responsive public health interventions.

As an engaging communicator and thought leader, Marcelle is passionate about making complex scientific concepts accessible to diverse audiences. She has contributed to policy briefs, written op-eds, and participated in national and international forums discussing pressing public health challenges. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Public Health Association, Society for Epidemiologic Research, and American Association for Cancer Research, staying at the forefront of emerging research and policy developments.

Looking ahead, Dr. Dougan is eager to expand her leadership in board governance and strategic health initiatives, seeking opportunities to influence public health policy, research innovation, and community-driven health solutions. With a strong foundation in epidemiology, data analysis, and global health perspectives, she is well-positioned to drive meaningful impact in public health research, advocacy, and organizational leadership.

Character:
Dr. Marcelle Dougan is a compassionate and integrity-driven leader dedicated to improving public health outcomes through research, education, and advocacy. She actively fosters inclusivity and mentorship, ensuring that her work benefits diverse communities and promotes health equity.

Knowledge:
With deep expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, cancer research, and public health policy, Marcelle integrates data-driven methodologies to inform impactful health interventions. Her interdisciplinary background in chemical engineering, technology management, and digital health enhances her ability to address complex public health challenges.

Strategic:
Marcelle combines academic rigor, industry experience, and policy expertise to develop innovative public health solutions and drive organizational growth. She skillfully navigates healthcare systems, research funding, and institutional governance to optimize outcomes and expand the reach of her initiatives.

Communication:
An experienced educator, researcher, and public speaker, Marcelle effectively translates complex scientific concepts into accessible insights for diverse audiences. Her work spans peer-reviewed publications, media commentary, policy briefs, and thought leadership, ensuring widespread impact in public health discourse.