Kristine Torjesen: Professional Biography

Prior to joining BioLogos, Dr. Kristine Torjesen served as the Senior Director of Network and Collaborative Research at FHI 360, a non-profit global development organization. During her 15 years at FHI 360, she oversaw clinical trial and implementation research, with a primary focus on HIV prevention for women in Africa.

From 2021-2025, Dr. Torjesen led the USAID-funded MOSAIC project, which was a research consortium of international and country-based organizations working to accelerate market introduction of new HIV prevention products. She was protocol chair for the CATALYST study evaluating real-world PrEP implementation in five countries. One of her great joys in MOSAIC was to elevate meaningful youth engagement through a vibrant group of young advocates called the NextGen Squad. The MOSAIC project built on her previous leadership of USAID-funded research projects: OPTIONS (2015-2020), PROMISE (2020-2022), and CHOICE (2020-2022). From 2009-2021, Dr. Torjesen also led FHI 360 leadership operations for the NIH-funded Microbicide Trials Network where she oversaw clinical trials evaluating safety, efficacy, acceptability, and adherence for new HIV prevention products. In her role as Senior Director of Network and Collaborative Research, Dr. Torjesen led a 150-person department that included multiple NIH-funded clinical trial networks (MTN, HPTN, IMPAACT, IDCRC, CoVPN). Throughout her career in global health, Dr. Torjesen worked closely with PEPFAR, USAID, WHO, national ministries, local implementing partners, civil society, and product developers to expand access to HIV prevention in the public sector.

Dr. Torjesen is also a board-certified pediatrician with experience providing pediatric HIV care, general pediatric care, and adolescent health care. As a health services research fellow at Harvard, she worked with the Massachusetts Department of Social Services to develop a model program providing integrated health services for children with special needs. She spent five years directing a maternal child health training program in Laos, which built capacity through local partnerships. In 2004, she received an NIH training award that launched her into the field of HIV prevention through the HPTN in Malawi. While in Malawi, Dr. Torjesen was one of a handful of pediatricians who established the first public pediatric HIV clinic. She also worked with Partners In Health and the Clinton Hunter Development Initiative to design the Ethel Mutharika maternity ward, a structural change to improve the quality and dignity of maternal care and infant delivery in Lilongwe.