Monique Plears

Monique Plears is a health counselor in Milwaukee for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) grant.

A UW-CTRI research team, led by Principal Investigators Dr. Megan Piper and Dr. Hasmeena Kathuria, and its partners are conducting a five-year study to determine which treatments work best to empower Black people to quit smoking.

Importantly, the work is guided by a community advisory board made of people from the community who have experienced tobacco addiction firsthand or secondhand.

“I was really drawn to the focus on tobacco and nicotine dependence within Black communities,” said Plears, a Milwaukee native. “I’ve seen firsthand how tobacco disproportionately impacts Black communities, and I’m passionate about contributing to research that not only studies the issue but actively works toward solutions. I also appreciate the opportunity to combine clinical research coordination with direct participant interaction and counseling – that’s where I do my best work.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Monique to the team,” Kathuria said. “Her commitment to working with Black communities and her passion for supporting people through the quitting process align perfectly with the goals of this study.”

Plears knows first-hand the toll tobacco can take on relatives who smoke. “It’s given me a deeper understanding of how complex quitting can be,” she said, “not just physically, but emotionally and socially.”

This PCORI study will examine the effects of three different treatment packages for Black adults who want to quit smoking in five states: Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to be part of research that directly impacts people’s lives,” Plears said, “I’m excited about working closely with participants, supporting them through smoking cessation, and contributing to research that can inform better interventions for Black communities.

Plears earned her master’s of public health from Purdue University global and holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

“Outside of work, I prioritize my health and wellness, so I spend time focusing on fitness and meal planning. I am excited about a walking club that I am coordinating with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, that starts in May. I also enjoy traveling and spending time with family. I like to keep a good balance between personal growth, community involvement, and self-care.”