Faina Linkov

Faina Linkov, PhD, MPH 

Associate Professor, Department of Health, Exercise & Applied Science 
Rangos School of Health Sciences 
Duquesne University 

Dr. Linkov is a multidisciplinary researcher with research interests in chronic disease prevention, health systems research, global health, scientific communications, adipose derived stem cells. In the area of molecular epidemiology, her work focused on the use of biological tumor markers to detect malignancies at early stages and on the link between obesity, biobehavioral factors, and cancer. She investigated adiposed derived stem cells role in cancer prevention and control. Dr. Linkov’s longitudinal investigations have made significant contributions to the emerging view that intentional weight loss may play a significant role in the prevention of malignancies and normalization of aging associated biomarkers, especially through inflammatory pathways. Dr. Linkov has been also focusing on the development of improved patient-centered approaches for translating scientific knowledge about disease prevention into clinical practice.  
 
In the area of global health Dr. Linkov has been active in initiating research work with several groups in Asia publishing on the public health challenges in Kazakhstan, including cancer prevention, nutritional deficiency prevention, and COVID pandemic aftermath. Dr. Linkov worked with the National Academies of Science on Engaging Scientists in Central Asia on Data Governance Principles for Life Science Data. Dr. Linkov’s interest in science education led her to be one of the core developers of the Supercourse of Science project at the Library of Alexandria in Egypt. In 2024-2025, Dr. Linkov served as a fellow in the The Carl G. Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology, and Law at Duquesne University. This fellowship helps to expand on Dr. Linkov’s interest in generative AI and the responsible use of digital technology, especially in conversation with faith traditions. 
 
Dr. Linkov’s research career has been extremely productive with over 100 original research publications and reviews. She has been a recipient of multiple grants and awards, including a Mentored Research Award from the American Cancer Society, Phi Beta Psi Sorority Foundation Department of Defense, Scaife Foundation, CDC, Hillman Foundation, USAID, Government of Kazakhstan, and NATO. Dr. Linkov was named AAAS fellow in 2020, the first female faculty member to have such distinction at Duquesne University