Lisa R Metsch

Lisa R. Metsch is the Dean of the Columbia University School of General Studies and Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at the Mailman School of Public Health. Prior to her appointment as Dean, she was the inaugural Stephen Smith Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociomedical Sciences. Dr. Metsch, a medical sociologist, is an internationally recognized scholar in the prevention of HIV among populations with substance use disorders. For over two decades, her research efforts have focused on epidemiologic and intervention studies that address the primary and secondary prevention needs of people at risk and living with HIV, particularly persons with substance use disorders. Her research has helped to re-shape national policy for the care and treatment of HIV, including through the design and testing of new strategies for expanding the reach of testing and the level of engagement of vulnerable populations. During her time as Chair of the Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Lisa led the Mailman School’s initiative to put a public health lens on the issue of mass incarceration She presently serves on the executive committee of the Center for Justice, an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to refocusing the criminal justice system on prevention and healing, where she is focused on raising scholarships to support formerly incarcerated students to attend Columbia University.