My Background:
- PhD in Public Health, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO
- MA in Health Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos,TX
- BA in Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
My Work History:
- 2009-present Associate Professor, Department of Health Sciences, School of Health Professions University of Missouri- Columbia
- 2011-2014 Assistant Professor, Masters of Public Health Program, University of Missouri- Columbia
- 2010-present Research Faculty, Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri- Columbia
- 2008-2009 Research Manager, Metro Saint Louis HIV Planning Council, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University
- 2006-2008 Research Coordinator, Metro Saint Louis HIV Planning Council, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University
- 2004-2007 Graduate Research Assistant, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University
My Interests:
Nancy Cheak-Zamora joined the University of Missouri- Columbia in the Fall of 2009 after completing her PhD in Public Health with an emphasis in Health Policy Research. In addition to her PhD, Dr. Cheak-Zamora has a Masters in Health Psychology and experience as an Applied Behavioral Analysis therapist. Dr. Cheak-Zamora conducts innovative research to inform policy making, advocacy, service delivery, and research for youth with special health care needs and adults with chronic medical conditions. Her quantitative and qualitative research on health care transition for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder is the first in the field and should lead to improvements in health care delivery. Dr. Cheak-Zamora is received a $500,000 grant Autism Research Program Idea Development Award from the Department of Defense (“Improving Healthcare Transition Planning and Health-Related Independence for Youth with ASD and Their Families”) to continue this work.
Dr. Cheak-Zamora also strives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care services utilized by adults with chronic medical conditions. By evaluating utilization patterns, needs, and health insurance status, Dr. Cheak-Zamora hopes to improve quality of life for those with chronic conditions as well as controlling escalating health care costs. She hopes to shape the national agenda in health care services for youth with special needs, health insurance, access to health care, and health policy.