Amy Donley

Dr. Amy Donley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and serves as Director of the Institute for Social and Behavioral Science (ISBS). Her work focuses on social inequalities, poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and the intersection of public policy with public health and crime. She leads interdisciplinary research initiatives addressing substance use, domestic violence policy efficacy, and systemic barriers faced by marginalized populations.

Current projects include a multi-method study of opioid-related overdose deaths in Central Florida hotels, evaluations of food security programs with United Against Poverty, and a Department of Justice-funded analysis of reentry support for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorders. She also investigates food deserts in the U.S. and Canada, the 'twindemic' of poverty and intimate partner violence, and the legal implications of Good Samaritan laws.

Dr. Donley actively mentors students through UCF's Undergraduate Research Assistant program, supervising up to 20 students annually, and chairs multiple thesis/dissertation committees. Her research emphasizes applied sociology, bridging academic inquiry with community-based solutions. She collaborates with organizations like AARP, Florida Department of Children and Families, and local health institutions to translate research into actionable policy recommendations.