Cynthia N. Lebron, PhD, MPH, is a prevention scientist and tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Public Health program at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies. Her research lies at the intersection of racial/ethnic health disparities, maternal and child health, and obesity prevention- with a particular focus on Latina mothers and children. Dr. Lebron began her foundation in health with an undergraduate degree in Health Science from Florida International University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Miami (UM).  

Before entering academia, Dr. Lebron worked as a pharmacy technician and a middle and high school teacher. Her introduction to health research came through her role as a community health worker, which sparked a deep commitment to community-based research. In pursuit of that commitment, she worked at UM’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Jay Weiss Institute for Health Equity, eventually earning a PhD in Prevention Science and Community Health from UM. 

Dr. Lebron currently leads a federally funded study to develop and pilot a social media-based, bilingual, multigenerational intervention to prevent early childhood obesity in Hispanic families. Her broader research portfolio also includes studies on breastfeeding equity, Baby-Friendly Hospital initiatives, maternal and infant health outcomes by Hispanic origin, and cannabis use in pregnancy. She also plays a key role in mentoring the next generation of public health professionals, guiding undergraduate and graduate students through data analysis, manuscript development, and grant applications. 

Her academic work is complemented by a strong record of community and national service. She serves on the Executive Board of BreastfeedMiami, the Miami-Dade WIC Advisory Board, and the advisory board of the National Hispanic Health Foundation. Nationally, she is the President of the Latino Caucus for Public Health of the American Public Health Association (APHA). In this role, she has significantly expanded programming and strategic partnerships, including leading the production of a special issue on Latino Health in the American Journal of Public Health. In celebration of the Caucus’s 50th Anniversary, she raised over $50,000 to support student engagement and conference programming. She also serves on the editorial boards of AJPH and Preventive Medicine Reports. 

Dr. Lebron resides in South Florida with her husband, Luis, their two sons, Lucas and Nico, and their dog, Benito.