Jennifer Fink

Jennifer Fink is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Care Administration within the College of Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She serves as Chair of the Executive Committee and is a dedicated mentor in the Health Care Administration program, contributing significantly to academic leadership and student development.

Education:

• PhD in Urban Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2014
• MS in Organizational Leadership and Quality, Marian University, 2006
• BS in Psychology with minors in Secondary Education and History, Carroll University, 1998

Dr. Fink's research is centered on advancing health and wellness through innovative health services and preventive care models. Her expertise spans Health Services Research, Behavioral Economics in employee wellness, Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion, and the Food as Medicine movement. She investigates how behavioral science and nutrition can be leveraged to improve chronic disease outcomes, particularly among underserved populations. Her work integrates patient-centered design and aims to bridge gaps between research and real-world healthcare delivery.

The recent publications reflect a strong focus on hypertension control, diabetes care, weight management, and integrative oncology. These studies employ population-based cohorts, randomized trials, and qualitative assessments to evaluate interventions in real-world settings. Key trends include telehealth coaching, workplace wellness incentives, and culturally responsive care models, demonstrating a commitment to equity and practical implementation.

Scientific Awards:

• Award for best reviewer, American Journal of Preventive Medicine
• American College of Health Care Executives Wisconsin Service Award, 2024

Dr. Fink has secured significant research funding, including a NIH-funded $710,468 MyHEART trial where she served as Co-PI, focusing on hypertension self-management in young adults. She also led a UWM CHS SEED grant on AI-driven patient-centered design for personalized health knowledge. She actively mentors students in the Health Care Administration program and contributes to academic governance through her role as Executive Committee Chair. Her professional service includes board membership in the Adaptive Community Approach Program (ACAP) and leadership in the Wisconsin chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

Dr. Fink is affiliated with interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on urban health, chronic disease prevention, and community-based wellness programs. Her work often involves collaboration across public health, clinical medicine, and behavioral science, positioning her at the intersection of research, policy, and practice.