Share Linda K. Ko, PhD

PHS Program: Cancer Prevention Program

Research focus: Dr. Ko leads the newly-established Center for Health Communication. She focuses on the design, testing, and evaluation of theory-based interventions around nutrition, physical activity, and cancer screening using new technology among disadvantaged racial and ethnic groups. She is interested on how people make decisions to change behaviors and how the decision-making process leads to behavior change.

Current Projects:      

• Creation of health-promotion interventions using the Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) model to reduce Latino youth obesity in Washington State’s Yakima Valley.
• A study around a Colorectal Cancer (CRC) screening patient decision aid to assess the impact of cancer communication on Latino patients and their social network.
• A study around nutrition classes & healthy cooking demonstrations that aims to promote healthy-eating among Latino families.
• A study around Photovoice that aims to bring understanding & awareness of the challenges that Korean immigrants face as they age in America.