Christina R Welter

Christina R. Welter, DrPH, MPH, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Health Policy and Administration Division at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health. She serves as Director of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Leadership Program and Associate Director of the Policy, Practice, and Prevention Research Center (P3RC). Dr. Welter is a recognized 'pracademic' with extensive experience in public health leadership, systems change, and health equity initiatives.

• University: University of Illinois Chicago
• School: School of Public Health
• Department: Health Policy and Administration
• Academic Rank: Clinical Associate Professor
• Email: cwelte2@uic.edu

Education:

• Dr.P.H. in Public Health Leadership, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2010
• M.P.H. in Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, 2000 (with concentration in Women’s and Reproductive Health)
• B.A. in Medical Anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, 1998 (Honors in Anthropology and Women’s Studies)

Dr. Welter's research focuses on public health leadership, systems change, workforce development, and health justice. She emphasizes collaborative, equity-centered approaches to policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change. Her work bridges academic scholarship with public health practice, particularly through cross-sector partnerships. She is deeply committed to community engagement and amplifying shared leadership for impactful change.

Her recent publications (2015–2024) reflect a strong trajectory in public health systems research, leadership development, and practice-based scholarship. The articles demonstrate a consistent focus on adaptive workforce development, systems thinking, and capacity building in governmental public health. Themes include the Learning Agenda for Systems Change, the Healthy Work Collaborative, and public health accreditation, all centered on strengthening public health infrastructure through collective action and innovation.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Honorable mention, Elevating Practice Award (2022)
• Faculty Fellowship, Policy and Social Engagement (2018–2019)
• Runner-up, Research to Practice Award, APHA (2018)
• Public Health Program of Excellence Award, IPHA (2018)
• Honorable Mention, Delta Omega Award (2017)
• Translating Research to Policy Award, RWJF (2013)

Dr. Welter has held significant advisory and leadership roles in public health practice. She chairs the Oak Park Board of Health, serves on the NALBOH board, and represents NALBOH on the PHAB Advisory Council. She previously served as Deputy Director at Cook County Department of Public Health and contributed to national initiatives including PHAB’s Standards and Measures Workgroup and NACCHO’s MAP-IT 2.0 Steering Committee. She has secured funding from HRSA and CDC for workforce development and practice-based research projects.

She is actively involved in research leadership through the Illinois Prevention Research Center and co-leads major initiatives such as the Learning Agenda for Systems Change and the Healthy Work Collaborative. These efforts focus on building public health capacity, addressing precarious employment, and fostering adaptive, resilient systems through technical assistance, training, and collaborative action.