Dr. Heather Tarleton is an Assistant Professor of Health and Human Sciences at the Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Loyola Marymount University and Affiliate Faculty at The Bioethics Institute, Loyola Marymount University. She is formally trained as a molecular biologist (Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Princeton University) and cancer epidemiologist (M.S. in Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles and Master of Public Affairs and Politics, Rutgers University). Dr. Tarleton’s research focuses on comorbidity among cancer survivors.
Currently, Dr. Tarleton is the Principal Investigator of a study titled “IMPAACT: Improving Physical Activity After Cancer Treatment”. The IMPAACT study is a collaborative effort across epidemiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, and rehabilitation science and recruits participants from the racially and ethnically diverse cities within Los Angeles County. The study was designed to examine the effects of a combined aerobic exercise and resistance training program on the body composition of cancer survivors and on reducing the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease among cancer survivors. The study also aims to improve cancer survivors’ overall capacity to engage in physical activity by addressing fatigue, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, neuropathy and psychosocial barriers to motivation. Dr. Tarleton is also interested in the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the homeless population in Los Angeles County. She co-teaches a course titled “Health and Wellbeing in Homeless Communities” and is partnering with the Skidrow Housing Trust on how supportive housing models might facilitate better access to routine care and healthful diets.