Catalina Lopez-Quintero, MD, MPH, PhD

Assistant Professor, Epidemiology

College of Public Health & Health Professions
University of Florida

Dr. Catalina Lopez-Quintero is an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Florida. She is a Colombian medical doctor with a PhD in public health and post-graduate training and research experience in drug dependence and psychiatric epidemiology, drug use neuropsychology, and drug use and HIV/AIDS disparities. Dr. Lopez-Quintero’s research examines the complex interactions between drug use and neuropsychological processes, socio-cultural factors, and systemic-level factors, aiming to inform the design of effective and developmentally appropriate drug use prevention and treatment interventions, as well as public health policy. Her federally and state-funded research on cannabis and medical cannabis spans several key areas, including epidemiological studies among diverse population groups (e.g., racial-ethnic minorities, older adults, individuals with mental health disorders, and pregnant women), as well as clinical trials investigating whether medical cannabis is safe and effective in improving mental health and neurobiological outcomes. Through her research, she aims to provide a balanced understanding of both the benefits and risks associated with cannabis and medical cannabis use.