Erin Carlson

Dr. Erin Carlson is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), housed within the College of Nursing and Health Innovation. She serves as the founding Director of UTA’s Graduate Public Health Programs, overseeing the Master of Public Health degree and associated certificates. Her academic roles include teaching courses in epidemiology, global health, and infectious disease prevention while leading funded research on community-based interventions targeting underserved populations. Dr. Carlson’s career spans over 15 years in academic and applied public health, with prior roles at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Education:

• PhD in Public Health (Health Management & Policy), University of North Texas Health Science Center (2010)
• MPH in Administration and Policy, University of Nebraska Medical Center (2004)
• BA in Spanish and Communication Studies, University of Kansas (2000)

Research Focus: Dr. Carlson specializes in community-based disease prevention programs, particularly among Hispanic/Latino and uninsured populations. Her work emphasizes global health equity, infectious disease control (e.g., tuberculosis, hepatitis C), and healthcare access for vulnerable groups. Methodologically, she focuses on program evaluation, health literacy, and interprofessional collaboration.

Recent Research Themes:

• Evaluation of hepatitis C screening and treatment programs in Texas colonias
• Cancer screening disparities among underserved communities
• Impact of patient navigation programs on healthcare outcomes
• Global health partnerships addressing migrant health needs

Publications & Awards: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, including work in BMC Public Health and Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Recognitions include the William S. Ward Endowment Award for teaching (2018), three-time recipient of the UNT Health Science Center’s Outstanding Faculty in Teaching award, and a Fulbright Specialist appointment (2021) for migrant health curriculum development in Colombia.

Service & Advocacy: Active in local and national organizations such as Health Literacy Texas, Society of Public Health Educators, and the Texas Public Health Association. Serves on boards for community health centers and volunteer organizations addressing homelessness and LGBTQ+ needs. During the pandemic, she advised Dallas media on COVID-19 response and coordinated UTA’s contact tracing efforts.