Dalnim Cho, Ph.D.
Department of Health Disparities Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences
Present Title & Affiliation
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Assistant Professor, Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2016 | University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, US, Personality Psychology, PhD |
| 2014 | University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, US, Clinical Psychology, MA |
| 2009 | Korea University, Seoul, KR, Clinical & Counseling Psychology, MA |
| 2006 | Korea University, Seoul, KR, Psychology, BA |
Postgraduate Training
| 2017-2018 | Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2016-2016 | Postdoctoral Fellow, City of Hope, Duarte, California |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Instructor, Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2018 - 2021
Intramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Faculty Search Committee, Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2025
Reviewer, Internal Review Study Section (INTEREST), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2024
Member, Faculty Senate, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2024 - 2025
Reviewer, The Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences Employee Recognition Awards Review Board, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2024
Member, Cancer Survivorship Research Advisory Workgroup, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2023 - 2025
Member, Scientific Review Committee #1, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2023 - Present
Reviewer, Internal Review Study Section (INTEREST), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - 2022
Member, Faculty Search Committee, Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - 2023
Referee for trainee activities requiring abstract review or judging of academic work presented at events, Academic Review Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - Present
Member, Performance Reward Selection Committee, Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - 2022
Member, Health Disparities Research Dissemination Committee, Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - 2020
Preliminary Judge, Summer Research Experience Elevator Speech Competition, Division of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018
Member, Review Committee, Leading Mentor Award in Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018
Ancillary Studies Director, Project Creating a Higher Understanding of cancer Research and Community Health (Project CHURCH, PI: McNeill), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2017 - Present
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, The Consortium on Disparities of Urologic Conditions (ConDUC) Scientific Committee, The Consortium on Disparities of Urologic Conditions (ConDUC), 2023 - Present
Member, Membership Council, Society of Behavioral Medicine, 2023 - Present
Topic Area Chair (Quality of Life), Topic Area Chair, Society of Behavioral Medicine, 2023 - 2026
Member, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Project Koru, Project Koru, 2020 - 2023
Champion, Society of Behavioral Medicine Champions, Society of Behavioral Medicine, 2020 - 2022
Editorial Activities
Review Editor, Frontiers in Psychology (Psycho-Oncology), 2020 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2024 | Best Poster Award (1st Place), Consortium on Disparities of Urologic Conditions (ConDUC) |
| 2024 | Citation Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine |
| 2023 | Leading Mentor in Cancer Prevention (Honorable Mention), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2023 | Health Equity SIG Early Career (Faculty) Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine |
| 2018 - 2020 | Duncan Family Institute Mentored Junior Faculty Fellowship, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2018 | Outstanding Postdoctoral Trainee in Cancer Prevention (Honorable Mention), Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2012 | Best Educational Book, Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism |
| 2010 | Excellent Poster Award, National Cancer Center (Korea) |
| 2005 | Academic Excellence Scholarship, Korea University |
| 2004 - 2006 | Academic Excellence Award, Korea University |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2026. Reducing Survivorship Burden in Black Communities: Behavioral Interventions to Reach Survivors Underrepresented in Research. Invited. Behavioral Science Research News Hour. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Grant Spotlight Series (K99/R00). Panelist. Research Education & Training. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Building Awareness and Access: Community-Based Prostate Cancer Education and Screening for Asian American Men in Houston. Invited. Asian Cancer Council. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Bridging the Gap: Tackling Health Disparities among Cancer Survivors. Invited. LEAP-N Monthly Lecture. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2022. Promoting Health Behaviors for Cancer Survivorship and Prevention among Underserved Populations: A Multilevel Perspective. Invited. Cancer Prevention and Control Grand Rounds. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2022. Health Disparities in Cancer Survivorship. Invited. Survivorship ECHO Sessions. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2019. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Prostate Cancer and Energy Balance. Invited. Energy Balance Research Seminar. Houston, Texas, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2026. Promoting Early Detection: Community Prostate Cancer Education and Screening Among Asian American Men in Houston. Panelist. 2026 AAPI Health Summit. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. Feasibility and Outcomes of a Randomized Lifestyle Intervention for Black Prostate Cancer Survivors and Their Spouses: Insights and Future Directions. Poster. 4th Annual Prostate Cancer Symposium. Atlanta, Georgia, US.
- 2024. Health Disparities Research in Cancer Survivorship. Invited. CSVCC Monthly Lab Meeting, US.
National Presentations
- 2025. Facilitators and Barriers to Oral Healthcare Use: A Survey of Black Men. Panelist. 2025 National Medical Association Annual Meeting. Chicago, Illinois, US.
- 2022. Family-focused care in clinical settings: Opinions from healthcare providers, Black prostate cancer survivors, and their spouses. Conference. 43rd Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2020. The mindfulness-psychological symptoms link via spiritual well-being in advanced lung cancer patients and spousal caregivers. Conference. Paper accepted at the 41st Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2017. Spirituality and health behaviors in cancer survivors. Conference. Midyear Psychology of Religion and Spirituality Meeting. Chattanooga, TN, US.
- 2017. Dimensions of spirituality are differentially associated with diet and physical activity in breast cancer survivors. Conference. 38th annual meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2014. Spirituality and adjustment in late adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Conference. 35th Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2012. Yoga use in a sample of young adult cancer survivors. Conference. 33rd Annual meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. New Orleans, LA, US.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2025 - 2030 |
| Title: | Together stronger: A family-centered lifestyle intervention for Black prostate cancer survivors and their caregivers |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 1R37CA303326-01 |
| Date: | 2025 - 2027 |
| Title: | Unveiling the hidden struggles: Social isolation and loneliness in Black men with prostate cancer |
| Funding Source: | Movember |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | FP00021968 |
| Date: | 2024 - 2027 |
| Title: | Social isolation, loneliness, and health outcomes among prostate cancer survivors |
| Funding Source: | DOD/CDMRP |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | HT9425-24-1-0398 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2028 |
| Title: | Center for transformative community-driven research to prevent obesity-related cancer |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | U54CA280804 |
| Date: | 2023 - 2025 |
| Title: | Randomized controlled trial to test feasibility of a culturally adapted meditation-based support intervention for Black patients dealing with advanced cancer |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCCIH |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| ID: | R34AT012360 |
| Date: | 2022 - 2023 |
| Title: | CCSG New Faculty Award |
| Funding Source: | The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2022 - 2024 |
| Title: | Targeting the obesogenic work environment: A feasibility study to develop a multi-level lifestyle intervention for truck drivers in Texas |
| Funding Source: | DFI Seed Funding Research Program (UT MD Anderson Cancer Center) |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2021 - 2023 |
| Title: | Barriers and facilitators to Black men’s oral health care access: A multilevel perspective |
| Funding Source: | UTH-MDA Population Health Initiative |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| Date: | 2021 - 2026 |
| Title: | Promoting HPV vaccination among young adults in Texas |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | R01CA248216 |
| Date: | 2020 - 2023 |
| Title: | One plus one can be greater than two: Ecological momentary assessment for Black prostate cancer survivors and partners |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | R21CA245687 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2023 |
| Title: | Quality of life among African American prostate cancer survivors and their partners: A multi-level perspective |
| Funding Source: | DOD/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (DOD/CDMRP) |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | W81XWH-19-1-0460 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2022 |
| Title: | Improving quality of life among Black prostate cancer survivors and their partners: A multi-level perspective |
| Funding Source: | Brander Beacons Cancer Research |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2017 - 2021 |
| Title: | Watchful Living: A lifestyle intervention for Black and Hispanic prostate cancer patients and their partners |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Pilot Principal Investigator |
| ID: | P20CA221696-01 |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- An H, Kim S, McNeill LH, Pettaway CA, Cho D. Dyadic Associations of Physical Activity, Diet Quality, and Body Mass Index in Black Prostate Cancer Survivors and their Spouses: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Analysis. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 41455850.
- Cho D, Ahmed S, Snyder S, Kroll J, Chen M, Roth M, Milbury K. Group-Based Support Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults With Lymphoma: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Psychooncology 34(12):e70343, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 41298073.
- Pierce J, Xu Y, Hall NA, Anderson KS, Dawkins-Moultin L, Wong-Meli CY, Cho D, Hopfer S, Ramondetta LM, Li Y, Lun D, Lu Q. Navigating Social Influences: The Impact of Anticipated HPV Vaccination Stigma from Friends and Family on College Students' HPV Vaccination Intent. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 34(9):1644-1655, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40643569.
- Cho D, Li Y, Basen-Engquist K, Acquati C, Nguyen NTT, Ma H, Pettaway C, McNeill LH. Couple-based lifestyle intervention for minority prostate cancer survivors: a randomized feasibility trial. Ann Behav Med 59(1), 2025. PMID: 39945428.
- Xu Y, Cho D, Dawkins-Moultin L, Borjas M, Hopfer S, Nguyen N, Mann S, Lun D, Ramondetta LM, Lu Q. HPV Vaccination Decision Among Catch-up Population Through a Digital Intervention: Empowering Young Adults to Their Own Health Decision-Making. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw, 2024. PMID: 39239757.
- Suragh T, Ngyuyen N, Guven B, Cho D, McNeill LH. Lifestyle factors and bodily pain among African Americans. Am J Health Behav, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Lu Q, Dawkins-Moultin L, Cho D, Tan N, Hopfer S, Li Y, Ramondetta L, Xu Y, Lun D, Chen M. A Multilevel Intervention to Promote HPV Vaccination among Young Adults in Texas: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. BMC Public Health 24(1), 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38840086.
- Cho, D, Gor, BJ, Hwang, H, Wang, X, Hernandez, M, Jones, LA, Frost, J, Roberson, P, Pettaway, CA. A Community-Based Prostate Cancer Screening and Education Program for Asian American Men in Medically Underserved Communities. Int J Environ Res Public Health 21(4), 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38673327.
- Cho D, Roth M, Peterson SK, Jennings K, Kim S, Weathers S-P, Sairah A, Livingston JA, Barcenas CH, You Yi-QN, Milbury K. Stress, health behaviors, and quality of life in young couples after cancer treatment: A study protocol. JMIR Res Protoc 13:e53307, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38652520.
- Carter BJ, Chen TA, Cho D, Connors SK, Siddiqi AD, McNeill LH, Reitzel LR. Examining Associations between Source of Cancer Information and Mammography Behavior among Black Church-Going Women. Int J Environ Res Public Health 19(20), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36293643.
- Kroll JL, Kim S, Cho D, Weathers SP, Chen AB, Smith G, Bruera E, Milbury K. Financial distress and its associated burden in couples coping with an advanced cancer. Support Care Cancer 30(5):4485-4495, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35112209.
- Cho D, Wang C, Pierce J, Dawkins-Moultin L, Lu Q. Preliminary efficacy of a tailored narrative intervention to increase human papillomavirus vaccination intention among a multi-ethnic sample of female students. J Am Coll Health:1-8, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35981315.
- Cho D, Kim S, Durrani S, Liao Z, Milbury K. Associations Between Spirituality, Mindfulness, and Psychological Symptoms Among Advanced Lung Cancer Patients and Their Spousal Caregivers. J Pain Symptom Manage 61:898-908, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33039605.
- Cho D, Milbury K, Liao Y, Pettaway CA, Gregg JR, Li Y, McNeill LH. Study protocol: One plus one can be greater than two-Ecological momentary assessment for Black prostate cancer survivors and partners. PLoS One 16(8):e0255614, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34370761.
- Cho D, Basen-Engquist K, Acquati C, Pettaway C, Ma H, Markofski M, Li Y, Canfield SE, Gregg J, McNeill LH. Cultural Adaptation of Evidence-Based Lifestyle Interventions for African American Men With Prostate Cancer: A Dyadic Approach. Am J Mens Health 14(6):1557988320945449, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 33148111.
- Shelal Z, Cho D, Urbauer DL, Lu Q, Ma BY, Rohrer AM, Kurian S, Sturgis EM, Ramondetta LM. Knowledge Matters and Empowers: HPV vaccine advocacy among HPV-related cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 28(5):2407-2413, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 31489512.
- Cho D, Basen-Engquist K, Acquati C, Ma H, Pettaway C, Li Y, Diep CS, McNeill LH. Study protocol: a lifestyle intervention for African American and Hispanic prostate cancer survivors on active surveillance and their partners. Pilot Feasibility Stud 6:111, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32782817.
- Hughes CT, Kirtz S, Ramondetta LM, Lu Q, Cho D, Katzin C, Kahlor LA. Designing and Implementing an Educational Social Media Campaign to Increase HPV Vaccine Awareness among Men on a Large College Campus. Am J Health Educ 51(2):87-97, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Cho D, Armeli S, Weinstock J, Tennen H. Daily- and person-level associations between physical activity and alcohol use among college students. Emerging Adulthhood 8(5):428-434, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Cho D, Milbury K, McNeill LH. Stress and cancer-related lifestyle factors among African American heterosexual couples. PLoS One 15(5):e0232577, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32384125.
- Wu IHC, Strong LL, Nguyen NT, Cho D, John J, McNeill LH. Psychosocial Stressors, Depression, and Physical Activity among African Americans. Am J Health Behav 43(4):717-728, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31239015.
- Cho D, Nguyen NT, Strong LL, Wu IHC, John JC, Escoto KH, Wetter DW, McNeill LH. Multiple health behaviors engagement in an African American cohort: Clustering patterns and correlates. Health Educ Behav 46(3):1090198119826207, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30776919.
- Escoto KH, Milbury K, Nguyen N, Cho D, Roberson C, Wetter D, McNeill LH. Use of Complementary Health Practices in a Church-Based African American Cohort. J Altern Complement Med 24(12):1204-1213, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29883196.
- Park CL, Cho D, Moore PJ. How does education lead to healthier behaviours? Testing the mediational roles of perceived control, health literacy and social support. Psychol Health 33(11):1-14, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30450977.
- Cho D, Kim S. Interplay Between Self-Efficacy and Perceived Availability at Home and in the School Neighborhood on Adolescents' Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Energy-Dense, Low-Nutrient Food and Sugary Drink Consumption. J Nutr Educ Behav 50(9):856-867, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30146454.
- Cho D, Chu Q, Lu Q. Associations among physical symptoms, fear of cancer recurrence, and emotional well-being among Chinese American breast cancer survivors: a path model. Support Care Cancer 26(6):1755-1761, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29243170.
- Cho D, Park CL. Barriers to physical activity and healthy diet among breast cancer survivors: A multilevel perspective. European Journal of Cancer Care, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 28940854.
- Ashing KT, Cho D, Lai L, Yeung S, Young L, Yeon C, Fong Y. Exploring characteristics, predictors, and consequences of fear of cancer recurrence among Asian-American breast cancer survivors. Psychooncology 26(12):2253-2260, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 27992680.
- Park CL, Cho D. Spiritual well-being and spiritual distress predict adjustment in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Psychooncology 26(9):1293-1300, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 27196993.
- Cho D, Lu Q. The association between fear of cancer recurrence and quality of life among Chinese cancer survivors: main effect hypothesis and buffering hypothesis. Qual Life Res 26(9):2375-2385, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28455639.
- Cho D, Park CL. Smoking and sedentary behavior changes from adolescence to emerging adulthood: A multilevel modeling perspective. Prev Med 101:223-228, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28040518.
- Cho D, Park CL. Moderating effects of perceived growth on the association between fear of cancer recurrence and health-related quality of life among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. J Psychosoc Oncol 35(2):148-165, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 27749160.
- Park CL, Cho D, Salner AL, Dornelas E. A randomized controlled trial of two mail-based lifestyle interventions for breast cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 24(7):3037-46, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 26887585.
- Park CL, Riley KE, George LS, Gutierrez IA, Hale AE, Cho D, Braun TD. Assessing disruptions in meaning: Development of the Global Meaning Violation Scale. Cognitive Therapy and Research 40:831–846, 2016. e-Pub 2016.
- Cho D, Park CL. Cancer-related identities in people diagnosed during late adolescence and young adulthood. Br J Health Psychol 20(3):594-612, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 24924918.
- Park CL, Wortmann JH, Hale AE, Cho D, Blank TO. Assessing quality of life in young adult cancer survivors: development of the Survivorship-Related Quality of Life scale. Qual Life Res 23(8):2213-24, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24729054.
- Park CL, Cho D, Blank TO, Wortmann JH. Cognitive and emotional aspects of fear of recurrence: predictors and relations with adjustment in young to middle-aged cancer survivors. Psychooncology 22(7):1630-8, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23060271.
- Park CL, Cho D, Wortmann JH. The impact of Yoga upon young adult cancer survivors. Complement Ther Clin Pract 19(2):77-82, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23561064.
- Cho D, Park CL, Blank TO. Emotional approach coping: Gender differences on psychological adjustment in young to middle-aged cancer survivors. Psychol Health 28(8):874-94, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23391312.
- Xu Y, Jace P, Dawkins-Moultin L, Canright A, Borjas M, Cho D, Hopfer S, Li Y, Ramondetta LM, Lu Q. Beyond Automatic Reminders: Adaptive Layered Communication Strategies to Sustain Young Adult Engagement in a Longitudinal Intervention Study. J Health Commun.
- Smith M, Garcia R, Cho D, Tariba-Edick M, Lawen T, Daniel C, McNeill LH, Pettaway C, Gregg JR. Determining Barriers to Dietary Change Among Medically Underserved Men with Prostate Cancer. Health Educ Behav.
Invited Articles
- McNeill LH, Wu IHC, Cho D, Lu Q, Escoto K, Harris K. Community Outreach and Engagement Strategies to Address Breast Cancer Disparities. Curr Breast Cancer Rep 12:209–215, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Cho D, Park CL. Growth following trauma: Overview and current status. terapia psicolÓgica 31(1):69-79, 2013. e-Pub 2013.
Review Articles
- Cho, D, Kim, S, Mama, SK, Swartz, MC, Geng, Y, Lu, Q. Multiple Levels of Influence on Lifestyle Behaviors among Cancer Survivors in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups. Eur J Cancer Care 2023, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 39624800.
- Cho D, Ramondetta L, Garcini L, Lu Q. HPVs Vaccination among Racial/Ethnic Minority College Students: Current Status and Future Direction. J Natl Med Assoc 112:639-49, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32665067.
Other Articles
- Xu Y, Pierce J, Anderson K, Dawkins-Moultin L, Cho D, Hopfer S, Li Y, Lu Q From Knowledge to Action: HPV Knowledge, safety concerns for HPV vaccination and gender disparities for cancer prevention. J Health Commun.
Books (edited and written)
- J-H K, E-S Y, Cho D. Stress Management for Cancer Patients. Idam Books, 2012.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified March 09, 2026