Faculty research health disparities: preventable differences in health or health risks in which disadvantaged social groups—including people living in poverty, racial and ethnic minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ people—systematically experience worse health or greater health risks than more advantaged social groups.
As health equity researchers, we are committed to identifying and intervening on the structural factors that cause health disparities, including:
- fundamental causes such as racism and economic inequality;
- health system design;
- experiences of discrimination and oppression.
Signature Research Areas
More About Research on Health Equity
Research News
Driving Toward Heart-Healthy Change
Dr. Wan-Chin Kuo investigates social determinants of health to improve truck drivers’ well-being.
Drs. Katelyn Desorcy-Scherer and Susan Passmore Receive Advancing Translational Research and Science Pilot Award
This award supports projects that advance innovative translational research by either identifying broadly applicable new processes or solving common challenges in turning innovations into real-world practice or policy.
Edith Lawrence-Hilliard Honored with 2025 Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
An advocate for health equity and a pillar of community engagement in the Madison community, Ms. Lawrence-Hilliard has dedicated decades to uplifting marginalized voices in health, education, and civic life.
Drs. Jeneile Luebke and Diamond D. Williams Awarded Grant to Support the 10th Annual Native Nations Nursing, Helpers, and Healers Summit
The summit is an Indigenous-led event aimed at educating an interprofessional team on evidence-based approaches to optimal, culturally congruent health care for Indigenous people, their communities, and those who provide care for them.
- More Research News
Resources from Researchers
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Wisconsin Network for Research Support
The WINRS team provides researchers with effective and innovative strategies for engaging stakeholders and study participants—especially those from underrepresented populations.
Researchers in Health Equity
Weiqi Chen, PhD, RN
Position title: Assistant Professor
Email:
wchen622
Phone: 608-262-2334
Address:
4167 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Brianna Jackson, PhD, MScN, RN, CPMHN(C)
Position title: Assistant Professor
Email:
bjackson26
Phone: 608-261-1394
Address:
4177 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Wan-chin Kuo, PhD, RN
Position title: Assistant Professor
Email:
wkuo4
Phone: 608-263-9886
Address:
4121 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Jessica LeClair, PhD, MPH, RN
Position title: Assistant Professor
Email:
jleclair2
Phone: 608-265-8225
Address:
5115 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Maichou Lor, PhD, RN
Position title: Associate Professor; Helen Denne Schulte Professor of Nursing
Email:
mlor2
Phone: 608-265-4248
Address:
4117 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Jeneile M. Luebke, PhD, RN
Position title: Assistant Professor
Email:
jmluebke
Phone: 608-890-0555
Address:
5111 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Linda D. Oakley, PhD, RN
Position title: Louis J. and Phyllis Clark Jacobs Professor in Mental Health
Email:
ldoakley
Phone: 608-263-5866
Address:
4171 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Susan Racine Passmore, PhD
Position title: Assistant Professor
Email:
passmore2
Phone: 608-263-5176
Address:
3111 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Jingxi Sheng, PhD, RN
Position title: Assistant Professor
Email:
jsheng29
Phone: 608-263-5186
Address:
3141 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Elliot A. Tebbe, PhD, LP
Position title: Associate Professor; Mary W. and Carl E. Gulbrandsen Chair in Health Equity
Email:
tebbe
Phone: 608-263-9456
Address:
4181 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
Megan Zuelsdorff, PhD
Position title: Assistant Professor
Email:
mlzuelsd
Phone: 608-262-5951
Address:
3115 Signe Skott Cooper Hall