Dr. Adaora A. Adimora, chair of the HPTN’s Women at Risk Scientific Committee, is a Sarah Graham Kenan Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine and professor of epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, N.C. She is a physician epidemiologist with more than 25 years of clinical experience in treating patients living with HIV. Her work has helped characterize the epidemiology of heterosexual HIV transmission among African Americans, highlighted the role of sexual network patterns in the spread of HIV, and underscored the importance of macroeconomic and social forces in racial disparities in the U.S. HIV epidemic.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

The field of HIV research is ever-changing. I enjoy the challenge of learning new things and especially enjoy working with the many brilliant people in the HPTN.

What has been one of your proudest moments as a member of the HPTN?

One of my proudest moments was getting approval for HPTN 102! But honestly, I'm proud of all the considerable HPTN successes even though I haven't played a role in all of them – I'm pleased to be associated with the network.

Who has been the most significant influence in your career? Why?

My late husband, Paul Godley, is the most significant influence in my career. He inspired me to go into research, gave me valuable advice, and urged me to keep going. And he supported me in every way, along every single step on this path.

What volunteering or passion projects do you do outside of work?

I've been trying to learn Spanish for a long time but have begun pursuing it more aggressively during the past couple of years. I don't speak well, but I love doing it. I look for every opportunity I can find to practice. I have a wonderful group of Spanish-speaking friends that I meet with almost every week.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I love to read, and I read a lot of different types of books. But reading mysteries is my guilty pleasure.