Emily K. Brunson

Emily K. Brunson is Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Brigham Young University. An applied medical anthropologist, her research examines healthcare access and decision-making in the US, focusing on how structural inequalities, social networks, and personal experiences shape health outcomes.

She co-led CommuniVax, a national initiative addressing COVID-19 vaccination inequities in Black and Hispanic/Latino communities. Past partnerships include Meals on Wheels Central Texas and Vax Northwest. Her methodological work focuses on rapid qualitative research during emergencies.

Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on applied anthropology in public health crises, with particular attention to vaccine equity and community-engaged research during the COVID-19 pandemic.