Grace X. Ma, PhD, CHES

Grace X. Ma, PhD, is associate dean for health disparities, founding director of Center for Asian Health, Laura H. Carnell Professor at Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, and professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center of Temple University Health System. Ma is a nationally recognized behavioral health scientist, leader, and pioneer in cancer and health disparities research among underserved and vulnerable racial/ethnic minority populations.

In 2000, Ma established Temple University Center for Asian Health, a pioneering effort funded by the National Cancer Institute to combat health disparities among underserved Asian Pacific Americans. She also cofounded the inaugural Asian Community Cancer Coalition and Cancer Health Disparity Network in the U.S. Eastern Region. Built on two decades of her leadership, Ma and her research team established successful partnerships with over 400 community organizations to engage in health disparity research and interventions for minoritized populations. Ma’s expertise extends across a wide spectrum of health disparities domains, including patient-centered outcome research, early detection, cancer prevention, and health care access. She has successfully led several initiatives funded by the CDC and National Institutes of Health.

Ma’s mentorship has empowered more than 260 minority scholars and students in health disparities research. With a substantial body of work, including five books and over 240 scientific journal articles, she is a sought-after speaker at global conferences and an esteemed member of numerous editorial boards. Ma’s dedication has earned her prestigious accolades like the 2020 Temple University President’s Award for Public Impact Research and the 2019 Yamasaki Prize Medal for Visionary Leadership, College of William and Mary. These honors underscore her pivotal contribution to advancing health equity and reducing disparities.