LaTasha H. Lee, PhD, MPH is responsible for the oversight and implementation of research projects and programs focused on reducing patient risk and identifying optimal care to reduce health disparities and bring about health equity. She also provides input into the overall strategy for research partnerships and health equity research for NMQF. Tasha serves as the study manager of the recently launched Minority and Rural Health Coronavirus Study (MRCS), which focuses on assessing the impact of COVID-19 on racial minorities and underserved communities across the country. Prior to joining the NMQF Senior Manager of Partnership Engagement of the Sickle Cell Disease Clinical Trials Network (SCD CTN) at the ASH Research Collaborative. She was responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining effective partnerships with stakeholders including patients, academic medical centers, other clinical research sites, industry, and Federal agencies regarding their interests in SCD CTN. As an experienced Research Manager at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) LaTasha was tasked with the development of a patient engagement strategy and clinical trials network for SCD, to change the culture and conduct of clinical research for this devastating disease. In her prior role at ASH she was for the development and execution of activities related ASH’s Call to Action on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), as well as the Sickle Cell Disease Coalition (scdcoalition.org).
A knowledgeable, skilled and energetic scientist and public policy advisor with experience on Capitol Hill, Dr. Lee has worked very closely with Congress and federal agencies to monitor biomedical research and access to care policy related to various diseases impacting communities of color. She earned her PhD in Integrative Biology with a concentration on Neuroscience from Florida Atlantic University, a MPH in epidemiology from The George Washington University (GWU), and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Florida A&M University. Dr. Lee is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at GWU School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the recipient of numerous awards including the 2018 National Minority Quality Forum’s 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health, Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust Staff Leadership Award in recognition of efforts to end health disparities and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Florida Atlantic University.