Larrell Wilkinson

Larrell Wilkinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Education. He holds concurrent appointments as a Scientist or Associate Scientist across multiple UAB units including the School of Medicine’s Minority Health & Research Center, the School of Public Health’s Center for Study of Community Health, and the Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC). His work bridges public health, education, and social policy to address health disparities and promote health equity.

Dr. Wilkinson earned his PhD in Health Services from the University of South Carolina (2011). His research focuses on health communication strategies, protective factors against adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and mitigating social determinants of health. He has conducted extensive studies on vaccine hesitancy in the Deep South, mental health impacts of discrimination among African Americans, and family engagement in urban school systems.

His recent publications (2020–2025) emphasize resilience frameworks for children exposed to ACEs, pandemic-related mental health challenges, and systemic barriers to healthcare access. Though no formal awards are listed, his interdisciplinary work reflects sustained commitment to community-driven health solutions. He collaborates across UAB’s schools of education, medicine, and public health, reflecting his belief in multi-institutional approaches to public health challenges.