Lisa M. Wexler

Lisa M. Wexler is a Professor of Social Work and Research Professor in the Research Center for Group Dynamics at the Institute of Social Research, University of Michigan. Her work focuses on Indigenous youth suicide prevention and community-based participatory research with American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Dr. Wexler has developed and implemented numerous federally-funded research initiatives aimed at translating research into strategic, self-determined community action to reduce suicide risk and promote youth wellness.

Dr. Wexler's educational background includes a PhD in Social Work from the University of Minnesota (2005), an MSW from Florida State University (1996), and a BA from the University of West Florida (1991). Her doctoral research was conducted while working as a tribal community organizer for suicide prevention, developing insights in partnership with Indigenous Elders and community members.

Her research program centers on American Indian/Alaska Native Suicide Prevention, Indigenous Youth Resilience, Culturally-Specific Behavioral Health Services, and Digitally-Enhanced Participatory Research. Dr. Wexler's approach emphasizes community strengths, cultural values, and practices, and works to translate research into practical multilevel approaches to reduce youth suicide risk. Her work uses mixed methods including intergenerational storytelling, social network analysis, and community-level measurement to generate actionable knowledge.

Analysis of Dr. Wexler's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on community-level protective factors against suicide, cultural continuity as a protective factor, and the development of culturally grounded, community-driven interventions. Her research increasingly incorporates mixed methods approaches and examines the intersection of structural racism, historical trauma, and community strengths in shaping youth wellness outcomes in Indigenous communities.

• National Institute of Mental Health Grant (R61MH125757) for Family Safety Net project
• NIH News in Health Cover Story featuring her research
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Grant (R49-CE-003085)

Dr. Wexler has led multiple federally-funded projects including the Family Safety Net (a clinic-based universal intervention to increase safe firearm storage), PC CARES (Promoting Community Conversations About Research to End Suicide), and the Alaska Native Community Resilience Study. Her community mobilization approach engages family members, leaders, young people, and service providers in learning, reflecting, and mobilizing to reduce suicide risk. She has developed practical tools for community action that are grounded in Indigenous knowledge and community strengths.

Dr. Wexler's research is conducted through partnerships with Indigenous communities in Alaska and other regions, emphasizing community ownership and knowledge co-production. Her work with the Research Center for Group Dynamics at the Institute of Social Research facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration across social work, psychology, public health, and Indigenous studies to address complex behavioral health challenges facing Indigenous communities.