Amanda Rowlands

Dr. Amanda Rowlands is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. Her research program focuses on improving the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescent girls and young women in both Canada and globally.
Dr. Rowlands’ PhD dissertation examined the biological mechanisms linking women’s socio-ecological contexts during early development and the timing and pace of reproductive maturation including ovarian function. Building on her dissertation, Dr. Rowlands’ postdoctoral project is leading research that explores how chronic inflammation acts as a biological pathway through which gender-based power inequities can lead to risk of poor reproductive and sexual health outcomes, with a focus on bacterial vaginosis – a known risk factor for HIV.
Dr. Rowlands’ research program is grounded in community-driven approaches to identify community research priorities and co-design response strategies. She aims to create spaces that facilitate strengths-based, open conversations about sexual and reproductive health, to continue to provide people with the tools and language to feel empowered to advocate for their own health needs.