I am a University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor, Professor of School of Social Work, and Director of the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Center for Health Equity Research and Training at the University of Michigan (U-M), with an additional faculty appointment at the Institute for Social Research. I have been involved in mixed methods research on health equity and racial equity for nearly 20 years, with funding support from the NIH for randomized controlled trials (Co-Investigator on 1R01NR014200-01, PI: Kales and 1R01MH096699-01A1, PI: Aikens), and foundations for quasi-experimental intervention designs (e.g., Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, W. K. Kellogg Foundation, etc.).

To date, my research has focused on understanding the social determinants of health that explain within-group differences among Black men; developing evidence-based strategies to improve the physical and mental health conditions for Black men; and increasing knowledge about the intersection of age, culture, and gender. I am an experienced mixed methods researcher who uses qualitative and quantitative data to increase knowledge about how intersecting social determinants and gender dynamics place marginalized populations at high risk for poor health. My work has garnered an international reputation, and I have expertise in practical solutions to addressing racism and health inequities among healthcare providers and patients.