Education

Ph.D.  Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, 2009
B.S.  Microbiology, Texas A&M University

Background

Carolyn Banister, Ph.D., is a distinguished biomedical scientist and health care leader dedicated to advancing research and health care equity. She earned her Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia in 2009. Under the guidance of Dr. Kim Creek, her graduate thesis focused on HPV persistence in college-aged women, revealing that African American women face challenges in clearing HPV, contributing to higher cervical cancer rates. Following her studies at the School of Medicine, Dr. Banister conducted post-doctoral research at Brown University, exploring genetic and epigenetic factors impacting fetal growth.

Returning to USC, Dr. Banister continued to focus on health disparities, specifically on the increased rates of colon cancer incidence disproportionately affecting African Americans. From 2020-22 as a faculty member in the College of Pharmacy, she led a major COVID-19 testing facility serving USC and other universities across South Carolina, showcasing her commitment to public health.

Awards & Honors

• Distinguished Doctorate Alumni, USC School of Medicine Columbia Alumni Association, 2023

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