Caitlin Gruer

Caitlin Gruer is a Program Manager for the GATE Program at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Her work focuses on the use of participatory research methods to understand the lived experiences of women and girls related to menstruation, puberty, and sanitation. This includes translating research into practical resources for girls and women, implementing organizations, and policy makers, including publishing the Guidance Note on Integrating MHM into Ebola Response. Previously, she worked at Plan International USA and Helen Keller International Cambodia leading initiatives related to menstrual health and hygiene (MHH), and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
Currently, Ms. Gruer supports a portfolio of global and USA-based research projects exploring a range of menstruation issues, including the experiences of those who are homeless, menstrual considerations during an Ebola epidemic, and innovative methodologies for disseminating puberty content to adolescent girls. In addition, she coordinates the Period Posse Presents webinar series which brings together experts in menstrual health and hygiene from across research, policy and practice to discuss key emerging issues. Ms. Gruer received her MPH from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, with a concentration in Global Health.