Mary Beth Terry was recently employed as guest professor at Lund University Cancer Centre from March 2025 until 2028. She will be working 10% of full time and her employment is supported by LUCC and Mrs Berta Kamprad Foundation.
She recently visited Lund University in connection with the 7th Swedish Cancer Research Meeting 22-23 May 2025 (SCRM2025) as invited plenary speakers with the talk entitled "The global rise in early onset breast cancer and what the environment has to do with it". In addition, she also participated in the seminars organised by the cancer epidemiology and prevention researchers at Lund University.
Can you briefly tell us about your academic background?
I have my doctoral degree in epidemiology from Columbia University. Prior to my PhD, I received a Masters degree in Economics/Econometrics. For the last 25 years, I have been a PI on cancer epidemiology studies including leading birth cohort studies, family cohort studies, and intervention studies. Although I have worked on studies related to different cancers and chronic diseases, my specific area of research focus in related to environmental exposures and breast cancer risk especially in young women.
What will your main focus be during your time here?
I am excited to partner both on research projects as well as teaching and mentoring. I have experience in teaching advanced epidemiological methods as well as leading grant writing workshops.
How does your work connect with our cancer centre or current projects?
My work is most connected with Dr. Helena Jernstrom's work on gene-environmental interactions and breast cancer outcomes. I look forward to partnering with other investigators as well in the area of environmental health and cancer risk reduction. In addition to conducting research, I have experience in leading community outreach and education projects and in research translation and dissemination.
What are you most excited about during your stay?
I am so excited by meeting new people and thinking about things differently. International exchanges are a great way to learn not only about new research methods but also expand thinking in the area of research translation and policy.