Maria Levi-Minzi

Maria Levi-Minzi, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Justice & Human Services at Nova Southeastern University, affiliated with the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. She leads the Master of Human Service program in Child Protection and previously served as a Research Scientist at the Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities (ARSH). Her work focuses on substance use, HIV/AIDS, and juvenile justice populations through mixed-methods research.

Education:

• M.A., Boston College, Mental Health Counseling
• Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University, Marriage and Family Therapy

Research interests include qualitative and quantitative methods, intervention design, and special needs dental care for children with ASD. She has led projects on topics such as opioid abuse trends, HIV medication adherence, and equine therapy for juvenile justice-involved youth. Her current work bridges clinical practice and public health, emphasizing vulnerable populations.

As a Co-Principal Investigator, she has managed grants related to pediatric dentistry and ASD interventions. Notable projects include evaluations of SAMHSA-funded programs and special needs dental clinic curricula. She also provides counseling services for adults with mental health and substance use disorders.

Her research highlights syndemics, healthcare access barriers, and the intersection of social context and addiction. Collaborations with clinics and academic teams drive her interdisciplinary approach to improving health equity and service delivery.