Jennifer J. Carroll

Dr. Jennifer J. Carroll is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at North Carolina State University. As a medical anthropologist with interdisciplinary training in cultural anthropology, epidemiology, and clinical research, her work bridges social and health sciences to examine substance use, overdose risk, and the impacts of punitive drug policies. Her research spans Ukraine, the U.S., and North Carolina, focusing on harm reduction, HIV care, and the intersection of law enforcement with public health.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Sociocultural Anthropology, University of Washington (2015)
• MPH in Epidemiology, University of Washington (2015)
• M.A. in Anthropology, University of Washington (2011)
• M.A. in Sociology, Central European University (2007)
• B.A. in Anthropology, Reed College (2003)

Her research explores lived experiences of substance use, drug policy impacts, and overdose prevention. Key themes include:

• Supply-side drivers of fentanyl contamination
• Civil commitment laws and trauma
• Law enforcement’s role in drug market disruptions
• Community-based harm reduction strategies
• Cross-national HIV treatment access

Dr. Carroll’s recent publications analyze drug checking programs, overdose prevention, and institutional barriers to medication-assisted treatment. She has secured multiple grants to study mobile drug checking in Durham County, law enforcement impacts on overdose risk, and medication availability in North Carolina.

Scientific Awards:

• 2024 Outstanding Junior Faculty, NC State College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• 2020 Barbara Heldt Prize for her book Narkomania
• 2019 Periclean Faculty Leadership Award for civic engagement courses
• Multiple early-career research and teaching accolades (2011–2022)

She collaborates with institutions like Brown University, Duke University, and the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary methods, qualitative insights, and policy reform to address the opioid epidemic.