Noelle M. St. Vil

Noelle M. St. Vil, an associate professor at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, is a leading researcher in Black male-female relationships and interpersonal violence. Her work addresses structural racism's impact on relationships, intimate partner violence (IPV), and HIV prevention. Based in 631 Baldy Hall, Amherst, NY 14260, she co-investigates culturally specific interventions for Black college women and teaches courses on Black relationship dynamics.

• PhD, Social Work, Howard University (2012)
• MSW, Social Work, Howard University (2007)
• BA, Religious Studies, California State University Northridge (2005)

Her research focuses on intimate partner violence, sexual assault prevention, HIV risk reduction, and Black community resilience. She integrates historical contexts like Posttraumatic Slave Syndrome with contemporary trauma-informed approaches to strengthen relationships and address systemic inequities.

Recent publications examine geographic access to treatment, sexual health communication, and relationship typologies among Black populations. She also develops culturally adapted interventions for alcohol-related sexual assault risk and PrEP awareness among Black adults.

St. Vil emphasizes lifelong consciousness development in teaching, including a course on Black relationship histories. She advocates for community-centered solutions to poverty, STIs, and domestic violence through her trauma-informed policy and practice work.