PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program
Area of Interest
Sarah Kowitt, PhD, MPH, is a behavioral scientist who researches how regulations, policies, and communication campaigns can prevent and reduce tobacco use and contribute to cancer prevention. Her research is currently supported by a career development award (K01) from NCI / FDA. This grant focuses on developing and evaluating communication messages to reduce youth dual and poly tobacco use.
Kowitt also conducts research on how to strengthen cigar warning labels using a variety of different methodologies, including discrete choice experiments, qualitative research, online experiments, content analyses, and RCTs. In a separate line of cancer prevention research, Kowitt has also examined how tobacco retailer density and exposure to tobacco advertising influences the tobacco use behaviors of youth and young adults.
Awards and Honors
- SBM Presentation Citation Award, 2022
- UNC Impact Award, 2018
- Theta Chapter of Delta Omega, 2013
News and Stories
Graphic warnings on little cigars and cigarillos drive higher quit rates, UNC study shows
Adam Goldstein, MD, MPH, and colleagues report that graphic health warnings on little cigars and cigarillos significantly increase users’ intentions to quit and promote behaviors linked to tobacco cessation.
Decoding anti-vaping campaigns
Seth Noar, PhD, and Sarah Kowitt, PhD, MPH, investigate the factors that make vaping prevention ads effective for adolescents and young adults.
