Michele Wallen

Michele Wallen serves as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Health Education and Promotion in the College of Health and Human Performance at East Carolina University, leading academic programs and research initiatives focused on adolescent health education.

Her educational foundation includes:

• B.A. in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• MPH in Public Health Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Dr. Wallen's research centers on evidence-based interventions for adolescent sexual health, school-based prevention programs, and health communication strategies. She develops frameworks addressing teen pregnancy, STI prevention, and holistic wellness through nutrition and physical activity initiatives, with strong emphasis on policy implementation and educational equity in Southeastern school systems.

Analysis of her 2019-2023 publications reveals consistent focus on digital health communication, curriculum integration, and multi-component interventions targeting college and K-12 populations. Key trends include message-framing techniques for STI testing, technology-enhanced engagement strategies, and assessment of school board advocacy approaches within regional health education ecosystems.

As Principal Investigator, she has secured continuous funding through:

• PREPare for Success initiative (NCDHHS, 2017-2026)
• Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative (NC DPH, 2017-2026)
• Student Health and Academic Achievement program (NCDPI, 2016-2021)

She co-leads the Eastern NC Diversity in Rural Public Health Initiative (GlaxoSmithKline Foundation, 2022-2027) and serves on the NC Healthy Kids Collaboratory, with professional service including Journal of School Health manuscript review and state-level policy consultation.