Health Equity and Social Justice
About Health Equity and Social Justice Research
Faculty in this signature area conduct research to advance health equity and social justice across the lifespan by investigating the social, structural, and planetary determinants of health. Their scholarly work seeks to dismantle systemic barriers to health and well-being, promote inclusive and just health systems, advance policy, and optimize health outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and populations.
This transdisciplinary research spans nursing science, social science, public health, and planetary health. Representative areas of inquiry include:
- Identifying and intervening on fundamental causes of health inequities, such as racism, ableism, economic inequality, legal system involvement, structural barriers, and environmental injustice;
- Promoting health and well-being through community-engaged research and inclusive research design and implementation;
- Advancing equity in planetary health by exploring and addressing how human disruptions of Earth’s natural systems disproportionately affect health;
- Developing and evaluating interventions to optimize health and reduce inequities across the life course;
- Advocating for research-based policy and practice changes that support justice, sustainability, and equitable access to care.
Explore faculty profiles to learn more about specific research interests and studies in this area.
Signature Research Areas
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Aging Care and Outcomes for Older Adults
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Community Engagement and Partnerships
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Health and Well-Being of Children and Families
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Health Equity and Social Justice
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Health Systems: Data Science, Design, and Implementation Science
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Mental, Psychosocial, and Behavioral Health and Well-Being
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Symptom Science and Supportive Care
Research on Health Equity and Social Justice
Research News
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Dr. Jingxi Sheng Awarded Grant to Study Extending Community Partnerships for Asian American Breast Cancer Prevention
The primary goal of this project is to identify and expand community partnerships to strengthen engagement and maximize opportunities for future program implementation and dissemination.
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Dr. Megan Zuelsdorff’s Work on Healthy Aging Featured on WPR
Megan Zuelsdorff, PhD, was recently featured in an article from Wisconsin Public Radio about attempts to promote healthy aging in Wisconsin.
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Dr. Jeneile Luebke Awarded Grant to Study Culturally Congruent Support for Indigenous Students
The overall goal of this project is to provide Native American students enrolled in higher education with culturally congruent support and experiential learning opportunities.
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Dr. Wan-chin Kuo Receives Grant to Study Exercise Forecasting and Motivation Strategies for Truckers
Wan-chin Kuo, PhD, RN, was awarded a Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety Education and Research Center award to support the project: Defy The Odds: Exercise Forecasting and Motivation Strategies for…
Resources from Researchers
The WINRS team provides researchers with effective and innovative strategies for engaging stakeholders and study participants—especially those from underrepresented populations.