Department of Research & Evaluation News

Talar Habeshian, PhD, was appointed as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Division of Epidemiologic Research at the Department of Research & Evaluation in August. She will focus on cancer research initiatives.

Prior to her postdoctoral appointment, Dr. Habeshian worked as a research associate in the Division of Health Services Research & Implementation Science for more than 6 years. She supported multiple large-scale studies focused on cancer incidence and survivorship, cancer health disparities, and implementation science.

Dr. Habeshian received a doctorate in Epidemiology from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from UCLA.

Her research interests include cancer epidemiology, particularly women’s cancers, health disparities, and health services research.

What inspired you to pursue research?

I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in health care. During my undergraduate education, I had an incredible experience interning for a public health organization in Armenia for the summer. It was my first exposure to the field of public health and I saw first-hand the health disparities that exist in communities of low socioeconomic status. This experience inspired me to dedicate my career to studying the determinants of health and disease conditions in diverse populations and to do research that has positive, actionable impact on the health care of communities.

Why did you decide to pursue your postdoctoral training at the Department of Research & Evaluation?

Research & Evaluation is a highly collaborative environment with strong clinical partnerships and the research studies conducted here have an implementation component to directly improve clinical practice and patient care delivery. The department also has access to a robust database of electronic health records for a patient population that is representative of the diverse population in California. This allows researchers to conduct high-impact translational research and assess cancer health disparities that exist in our community.

What research are you currently working on that you are most excited about?

I am starting to work on several exciting projects that involve genetic testing for endometrial and ovarian cancer patients to determine high-risk individuals who would benefit from specific types of treatments. I am also working on a study looking at the effectiveness of HPV vaccination among immunocompromised people. I am particularly excited to build upon my doctoral research in endometrial cancer and strengthen Kaiser Permanente Southern California’s research profile on gynecological cancers.

What is your ultimate dream for your career?

My ultimate dream for my career is to improve the lives of women who are diagnosed with cancer.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my family and having new adventures with my daughter. Right now, she really likes strolling through the gardens at Huntington Library and Descanso Gardens. I also really enjoy traveling and experiencing new places and cultures.

Photo caption: Dr. Habeshian with her daughter, Sevana, during a family vacation in Kyoto, Japan, earlier this year.