She earned her doctorate in Social Psychology from UCONN in 2011, where she also received advanced training in quantitative methods and health psychology. Upon receiving her degree she gained postdoctoral research experience in HIV and alcohol use at the Center for Health, Intervention, and Prevention. Dr. Pitpitan’s research is on examining the psychological, social, and structural factors that put individuals at risk for HIV and other infectious diseases. Her work is focused on disadvantaged and stigmatized populations, including female sex workers and substance users.