Joyce Hunter, D.S.W., is a Research Scientist at the HIV Center and Assistant Professor of Sociomedical Sciences and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatric Social Work (in Psychiatry) at Columbia University. She is also Principal Investigator of the Working It Out Project, a community-based HIV prevention research project for gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents that utilizes an award-winning video and an intervention curriculum. This program, which Dr. Hunter co-developed with community members, addresses coming out, stigma, development of coping strategies to address stressful life events, and personal identity development.

Dr. Hunter has been an activist, researcher, and clinician for over 30 years. As a founding member of the Hetrick-Martin Institute and Director and Clinical Supervisor of Social Work Services there, she co-developed a counseling program, drop-in center, and outreach project to street and homeless youth. She also co-founded the on-site high school program, the Harvey Milk School. Dr. Hunter has conducted clinical trainings for professionals and graduate students in HIV/AIDS prevention for women, youth, and families, combating homophobia for LGBT youth, reduction of high HIV/STD risk behaviors, best health practices for at-risk and HIV-positive youth, and needs of street, runaway, and homeless youth, working with racially/culturally diverse populations and families.

Dr. Hunter is a founding member of the International AIDS Women's Caucus (IAWC), and was a former member of the Governing Council of the International AIDS Society. She was Co-Chair of Global AIDS Action Network (GAAN), and is Past President of the National Lesbian and Gay Health Association and Conference Co-Chair of its annual conferences.

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