Much of the research that Dr. Sterk and her team members have been engaged in is community based. It includes epidemiological cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, as well as intervention studies targeting vulnerable populations, including drug users (including IDUs), sex workers, homeless people, older persons and individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system.
Dr. Sterk and her team have engaged in individual, familial and generation research studies. One of their women-focused HIV risk reduction interventions is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as best practice intervention. Currently, they also are investigating the impact of structural factors, specifically neighborhood and/or community characteristics, on HIV risk taking over and beyond that at the individual level.
Health Initiative and was the founding co-director of the UC Global Health Institute’s Center for Migration and Health.