Andrea Willson

Dr. Andrea Willson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Western University, specializing in social inequality over the life course, aging, and health disparities. She holds a PhD in Sociology from Florida State University and has held academic leadership roles, including Director of the Centre for Population, Aging, and Health. Her research focuses on the long-term impacts of childhood disadvantage on adult health, intergenerational health inequality, and socioeconomic status trajectories.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, Florida State University (2001)
• Certificate in Gerontology, Florida State University (2000)
• MS in Sociology, Virginia Tech (1996)
• BA in Communication Studies, Virginia Tech (1989)

Research Interests:

Dr. Willson’s work examines how cumulative disadvantage across the life course shapes health outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups. Her key areas include:

• The intergenerational transmission of health inequality
• Cumulative childhood adversity and mental health
• Socioeconomic status and health trajectories
• Gender disparities in health

Grants and Awards:

• SSHRC Population Change and Lifecourse Strategic Knowledge Cluster Grant ($15,876)
• CIHR Operating Grant ($199,728) for health inequality research
• Outstanding Research Award (ASA Section on Aging and Life Course, 2009)

Advising and Mentorship:

Dr. Willson supervises PhD and MA students in areas such as caregiving for disabled children, cumulative childhood adversity, and gendered health disparities. She has mentored over 20 graduate students in the past decade.

Clinical and Community Engagement:

She contributed to a needs assessment of Muslim seniors in London, Ontario, and collaborates with organizations like the Canadian Coalition Against LGBTQ+ Poverty to address health equity.