Joy Barros DeLeon

Joy Barros DeLeon, PhD, MS, CHES, is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the School of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior at Texas A&M University. She brings extensive training in health education and promotion to her teaching and mentoring roles, emphasizing evidence-based, learner-centered instruction.

Education:

• PhD, Health Education & Health Promotion, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2017
• MS, Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 2013
• BS, Biomedical Sciences, University of South Florida, 2009

Her research and teaching interests converge on college health, women’s health, sexual health, and substance-use behaviors, with a strong emphasis on social determinants of health and minority health. Dr. DeLeon designs courses that integrate current events and culturally relevant examples to foster inclusive classroom environments and improve student comprehension and retention.

Active in professional service, she currently serves as NCHEC Ambassador for the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing and as Faculty Advisor for the Texas A&M University chapter of Operation Smile. She also contributes to curriculum development and accreditation activities within the School of Public Health, including service on the Merge Curriculum Committee and the CEPH Criterion D Writing Committee.

Professional Certifications & Awards:

• Certified in Effective College Instruction, Association of College and University Educators (2021–Present)
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (2017–Present)
• NCHEC Ambassador, Texas A&M University (July 2024–Present)
• Member, Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (Fall 2024–Present)

Dr. DeLeon’s commitment to mentoring and advising is reflected in her roles as Faculty Advisor for the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program and her ongoing efforts to prepare future health educators through innovative, evidence-based pedagogy.