Caterina DeFazio, MS, PhD
Associate Director of Research, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Office Location
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Academic Office 1
12631 E. 17th Avenue, B198-1
Aurora, CO 80045
For a list of currently recruiting studies on the Anschutz Campus visit researchstudies.cuanschutz.edu.
About Caterina DeFazio, MS, PhD
Why did you become a researcher?
I became a researcher because I've always wanted to ask questions that matter and find answers that lead to real change. I didn't want to stop at just understanding a problem—I wanted to help fix it. Research gives me the tools to do that. It allows me to take what I learn and turn it into something useful for the people who need it most.
What are your research interests?
I’m interested in improving access to informed, high-quality care, especially for people who are often overlooked. I focus on women’s health, adolescent health, and how systems can better support people through research-informed policies and programs. My experience includes work in sexual assault prevention, healthcare access, and program evaluation. Across all of it, I’m most interested in producing research that leads to real, tangible improvements in care and outcomes.
What do you like about medical research?
What I like most about medical research is its potential to directly improve care. It connects the questions we’re asking to the outcomes patients actually experience. I like being part of work that doesn’t just identify problems but helps shape better systems, practices, and policies. Medical research gives me the chance to work across disciplines, learn from providers and patients, and make sure the care being delivered reflects what people actually need.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is knowing the work I do can lead to real change. I get to ask important questions, work with people who care about the answers, and help make systems better for those who rely on them. I also really enjoy working with fellows and supporting the research they’re passionate about. Teaching and mentorship are a big part of why I enjoy being in a university setting—it’s rewarding to help others grow while continuing to learn myself.
What is your favorite?
Monkey Toes and Lizard Tales by George G. Ardell
Christmas Vacation
1985 by Bowling for Soup
What’s your favorite part about living in Colorado?
People here are always outside doing something fun (probably because of all the sunshine).
What is your favorite food that you make?
At my house, we make pasta from scratch every Sunday and have a nice big Sunday lunch.
When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a nurse like my mom.
What was your favorite hobby when you were a kid, and now as an adult?
Then: As a kid, I really enjoyed baking and cake decoration.
Now: As an adult, I still enjoy baking but now I mostly focus on recipes from my partner’s home country, Italy.
The CU Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology physicians and staff aim for outstanding patient care for all, as a critical benchmark in healthcare access and outcomes.