Michael B. Edwards

Dr. Michael B. Edwards is an Associate Professor at North Carolina State University's Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, part of the College of Natural Resources. His research focuses on social inequality in physical activity access, community health through sport, and policy-driven solutions for health disparities, particularly in rural areas. He holds a Ph.D. from NC State (2009), an M.A. from East Carolina University (2006), and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina (1996).

His work emphasizes quantitative methods like multilevel modeling, addressing topics such as sport's role in community capacity building, policy impacts on youth physical activity, and leveraging sport for health development. Notable awards include the 2011 Oak Ridge Junior Faculty Award and the Texas A&M Fish Camp Namesake Award.

Grants include evaluations of youth development programs, conservation corps impacts, and SNAP-Ed initiatives promoting nutrition and physical activity. He collaborates extensively with organizations like the Public Lands Service Coalition and the USDA, focusing on environmental stewardship, public health, and policy implementation.