We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague, Dr. Stephaun E. Wallace. Dr. Wallace, director of external relations for the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), was a highly accomplished research epidemiologist and a true community leader. He was an expert in developing, implementing, and evaluating significant public health and human service programs focused on populations deemed most vulnerable to acquiring HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. HPTN staff had the privilege of working with Dr. Wallace on several joint studies investigating the effectiveness of broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Dr. Wallace viewed public health work through a social justice lens to understand how population-level health is affected by structural and social factors like stigma, racism, sexism, historical trauma, and inequalities in education and income. His strategies created opportunities for consultation with stakeholder communities, informing the design and implementation of studies and optimizing the participation of those who bear the most significant burdens of HIV.
We extend condolences to his family and all who knew and loved Dr. Wallace and continue to keep his memory close to our hearts.