Moving Forward Together: Women’s History Month 2025 – Dr. Katherine Tossas
In keeping with the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month, this series highlights the importance and impact of mentoring partnerships between department faculty and their mentees.
Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S. is a health disparities researcher who focuses particularly on the identification of early cancer detection biomarkers. Her past research includes identifying and addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer screenings, and her recent research has integrated her microbiology and epidemiology training to investigate the relationship between the microbiome and the carcinogenicity of certain cancers. She recently received a V Foundation award for her work in this area. In addition to her role as a scholar, Tossas is a teacher and mentor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and she also holds a leadership position at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center as the Director for Catchment Data Area Analytics.
One key lesson I’ve learned from Dr. Tossas is that growth does not occur within comfort —a phrase she often repeats. This reminder is something I keep in mind whenever I face challenges. I remind myself that the struggles I encounter will build my character and strengthen my resilience.
-Paula Rivera Mejia, M.P.H.
Paula Rivera Mejia is a current student in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences Ph.D. program. Tossas has been her mentor since she began the program, and is a constant source of guidance and support. “Her approach has been both collaborative and encouraging,” says Rivera Mejia, “always offering advice when needed.” Tossas also encourages her to grow as an independent researcher, giving her space to learn. “She motivates me to do my best work by equipping me with the tools and resources I need to succeed,” says Rivera Mejia.
Dr. Tossas is the kind of mentor who leads by example. She shows up fully—authentic, driven, and deeply committed—not just to her work, but to the people and communities she cares about. From the beginning, it was clear that she genuinely wanted to see me thrive and reach my goals. But more than that, she consistently pushes me to think bigger. If you know anything about Dr. Tossas, you know there’s no idea too grandiose—she always encourages me to expand my vision and not limit myself.
-Bianca Owens, Ph.D., M.S.
Bianca Owens was first introduced to Tossas during her doctoral program at VCU. They worked together on a conference abstract, and as time went on, Owens became a part of Tossas’ lab research group. She eventually became involved in the Chickahominy TRUTH project, which Tossas directed in partnership with Dr. Maria Thomson, and used data from the study to develop her dissertation project. “It was my first time witnessing firsthand how much the community means to her and how thoughtfully she approaches the work,” recalls Owens. “It was incredibly moving to see the level of care, respect, and intention she brings to community-centered research.” Tossas’ example stuck with Owens, who continues to pursue research that benefits the community. “That lesson has become a guiding principle that now grounds a lot of what I do—both professionally and personally. And for that, I’m forever grateful.”
Tossas and Owens continued their partnership following the latter’s completion of her Ph.D. program—Owens currently works as a postdoctoral fellow with Tossas at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. She continues to learn valuable lessons from her mentor, and shares one particular motto that has inspired her. “I could rattle off countless gems Dr. Tossas has given me—both directly and indirectly—but there’s one in particular that has stuck with me and that I hope others can lean on when they need it: ‘All things change when you do.’” Owens continues, “Growth clarity, impact—they all begin with us. That mindset has shaped the way I approach both my work and my relationships.”
Categories Faculty News, Student News