Daphne C. Watkins

Daphne C. Watkins is a University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan. She serves as the founding director of the Gender and Health Research (GendHR) Lab, the Certificate Program in Mixed Methods Research, and the award-winning Young Black Men, Masculinities, and Mental Health (YBMen) Project. Professor Watkins teaches graduate-level courses on research methods, social equity and equality, and community-based interventions, and serves on committees focused on improving men's health equity both domestically and globally.

Professor Watkins' educational background includes:

• 2025 EMBA in Leadership & Organizational Behavior from Quantic School of Business and Technology
• 2006 PhD in Health Education & Behavior from Texas A&M University
• 2002 BA in Anthropology & French from University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Her research centers on strategies for success among historically marginalized groups, with three primary focus areas: behavioral interventions for historically underrepresented groups, mixed methods approaches to research in context, and social impact leadership and organizational development. Professor Watkins is particularly committed to developing efficient tools and systems that activate positive, strengths-based outcomes for those most in need. Her work emphasizes maximizing human potential, elevating social experiences, and providing equitable impact in communities and organizations through cutting-edge, use-inspired research.

Professor Watkins' recent scholarly work demonstrates a strong focus on mental health interventions for men of color, particularly Black men and boys, with emphasis on culturally sensitive approaches. Her publications reveal significant attention to digital health interventions, health equity, structural determinants of health, and methodological innovation in mixed methods research. She has made substantial contributions to understanding how to design effective mental health programs that resonate with men's diverse experiences and identities.

Among her notable recognitions:

• 2024 Pynn-Silvermann Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2024 Most Promising New Textbook Award
• 2024 Letha A. Chadiha Collegiate Professor appointment
• 2024 Research Grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Professor Watkins has secured significant research funding, including a recent grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. She mentors numerous students and early-career researchers through her labs and projects. Her YBMen Project has received particular attention for its innovative approach to providing mental health education and social support for young Black men through technology. She is also deeply involved in developing the next generation of researchers through the Certificate Program in Mixed Methods Research.

Professor Watkins directs several important research initiatives including the Gender and Health Research (GendHR) Lab, which focuses on gender-specific health issues, and the award-winning Young Black Men, Masculinities, and Mental Health (YBMen) Project. The YBMen Project leverages technology to provide mental health education and social support for young Black men through a 5-12 week social media-based program that uses "gender-specific, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive prompts from popular culture" to facilitate discussion about mental health, manhood, and social support. This project has been adapted for use in Australian and Canadian contexts.