Wells named Winship's assistant director for community outreach and engagement

Jessica Wells, PhD, FAAN, has been named assistant director for community outreach and engagement at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, effective Feb. 1, 2024. In this role, Wells will collaborate with Theresa Gillespie, PhD, associate director for community outreach and engagement, to facilitate and implement key priorities to reduce the burden of cancer across Georgia. She will interface with Winship leaders, community partners, research programs and the Scientific Research Council to advance initiatives in cancer health disparities, clinical trials access and cancer prevention and control.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to have Dr. Wells in this role, and we look forward to her many leadership and research contributions to Winship,” says Gillespie. “Dr. Wells is a rare combination of experienced clinician; R01-funded investigator collaborating with both urban and rural health care settings; basic researcher in the microbiome as it relates to anal cancers; and nationally recognized cancer health equity researcher, particularly in the realm of cancer risks among people living with HIV. Dr. Wells will also bring invaluable representation to Winship members from Emory’s School of Nursing and serve as an important link with the Emory Center for AIDS Research (CFAR).

Wells is an associate professor of nursing at Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, where she completed her PhD and postdoctoral fellowship. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and was recently named president-elect of the board of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health.

A member of Winship’s Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program, her research focuses on improving cancer outcomes in vulnerable populations, including people living with or at risk for developing HIV. She is currently leading a multisite study to implement an evidence-based HPV vaccination program among HIV community clinics in rural and urban Georgia.

“I am excited to serve as assistant director for community outreach and engagement and continue Winship’s commitment to cancer equity for our catchment area in Georgia," says Wells. “I look forward to working closely with Dr. Gillespie, the Winship leadership team and most importantly the community to build long-lasting and sustainable ties. Together, we can ensure a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer within our communities.”