Kristen J. Alston

Kristen J. Alston, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) School of Medicine and serves as the Assistant Dean for Society and Medicine. She holds adjunct roles in the Department of Psychology and previously at Millsaps College. Dr. Alston specializes in clinical health psychology, focusing on integrated behavioral health care, treatment adherence in chronic conditions, and mental health advocacy. She earned her B.S. from Howard University and her Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology from East Carolina University, with fellowship training at UMMC.

Her research emphasizes pediatric sickle cell disease, sleep-pain interactions, and physician wellness. She has received accolades such as the Trailblazer Teaching Award (2023) and the Journal of Pediatric Psychology’s Most Cited Paper Award (2021). Dr. Alston actively contributes to curriculum development, residency training, and community initiatives, including mental health stigma reduction campaigns and service projects for underserved populations.

• Education: B.S., Howard University (2009); M.A./Ph.D., East Carolina University (2011-2015)
• Key Roles: Assistant Dean (2023–present), Associate Professor (2021–present), Adjunct Faculty (2019–present)
• Grants: CDC Opioid Quality Improvement Collaborative (2019–2020), Women of Color Well-Being Retreat (2023–2024)

Her teaching spans leadership development, evidence-based medicine, and medical professionalism. She mentors students and fellows, including advising Jaedyn Bonner’s dissertation (2019–2021). Dr. Alston’s community work includes public radio mental health discussions and organizing mental health awareness events in marginalized communities.