Alisa J Velonis

Alisa J Velonis, MPH, PhD is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences. She serves as Director of UIC's Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health (since August 2024) and previously directed the MPH Program. Her career spans public health research, teaching, and community-based practice focused on gender-based violence, structural inequities, and reproductive health.

• PhD in Health and Behavioral Sciences (2013) - University of Colorado Denver
• MPH in Public Health (2000) - Boston University
• BA in Social Sciences (1992) - Hampshire College

Her research integrates implementation science, community-based participatory research, and concept mapping to address maternal and child health disparities, particularly through innovative WIC programs and public health infrastructure evaluations. Recent work includes multisite maternal health initiatives and pandemic impact analyses on gender-based violence advocates.

Key grants include leadership roles in:

• HRSA-funded Maternal and Child Health Bureau Center of Excellence
• USDA WIC-based maternal health equity project
• Illinois Department of Public Health evaluation
• Chicago Cook County Workforce Partnership

Scientific awards:

• 2024 Delta Omega Innovative Curriculum Award
• ACHIEVE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2013-2015)

She teaches courses on MCH Evidence Translation, Reproductive & Gender-Based Violence, and Program Evaluation, with office hours available for student drop-in sessions.