Angela Wangari Walter

Dr. Angela Wangari Walter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health at the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Policy - Behavioral Health from Brandeis University, an M.P.H. in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Boston University, and an M.S.W. in Macro Social Work Practice from Boston University. Her research focuses on developing interventions to improve health outcomes for marginalized populations, particularly women with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, cancer survivors, and Black and Latinx communities.

Education:

• Ph.D.: Social Policy - Behavioral Health, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University
• M.P.H.: Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health
• M.S.W.: Macro Social Work Practice, Boston University School of Social Work
• B.S.: Health Policy and Management, Providence College

Research Interests: Mental health, substance use disorders (ATOD), cancer survivorship, women’s reproductive health, and social determinants of health. Her work emphasizes culturally relevant interventions and community-engaged research (CEnR) to address health disparities among minoritized populations.

Research Trends: Her publications focus on bundled interventions for Black women with HIV, organizational readiness for tobacco treatment in oncology settings, and equity-driven approaches to mental health care. Recent work highlights sustainability frameworks for marginalized communities and leadership strategies to combat institutional racism.

Awards:

• 30 Inspiring & Impactful Alumni (2020)
• Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018)
• Community Research Innovative Scholar (2017)

Advising & Grants: Dr. Walter collaborates on grants related to cancer care, HIV interventions, and substance use treatment. Her projects include adapting multicomponent interventions for women and assessing organizational readiness in oncology practices. She also advocates for racial justice through nonprofit board roles and community volunteering.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Black Women First Initiative and Smoke-Free Support Study, focusing on implementation science and health equity across clinical and community settings.