John Patrick Cullen, Ph.D.

Professional Background

John P. Cullen, PhD, is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and Associate Director of the Susan B. Anthony Center at the University of Rochester. Dr. Cullen received his PhD in cardiovascular pharmacology from the Queen’s University of Belfast. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where he became a faculty member and NIH funded researcher spending 15 years conducting both basic science and clinical research on cardiovascular disease. In 2013 he joined the University of Rochester, Susan B. Anthony Center, a center focused on gender equity and social justice issues. Dr. Cullen has an extensive background in LGBTQ health disparities and advocacy and in 2014 he completed a Graduate Certificate in LGBT Health Policy and Practice at the George Washington University. In 2016, he was appointed Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Institute. In 2017, Dr. Cullen was selected by the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Group on Women in Medicine and Science (GWIMS) to serve as its steering committee’s new issue-based representative, bringing unique perspectives to the group on male allyship and the need to support women in academic biomedical research. He also serves as the CTSI Strategic Director of Population Health and Community Engagement Function leader. His ongoing research projects include building evidence-based solutions to increase vaccine confidence and uptake in rural populations. In addition, he is currently conducting a study that will provide valuable new information central to understanding how conventional bruising documentation contributes to victims of interpersonal violence securing protection orders, especially for those with darker skin pigmentation.