Paula Lantz

Paula Lantz is the James B. Hudak Professor of Health Policy and director of undergraduate programs at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. She is also a professor of health management and policy in the School of Public Health, a University Professor of Diversity and Social Transformation, and an elected member of both the National Academy of Social Insurance and the National Academy of Medicine. Her work bridges social demography, epidemiology, and policy analysis.

• PhD in sociology, University of Wisconsin, 1991
• MS in epidemiology, University of Wisconsin, 1991
• MA in sociology, Washington University, 1983
• BA in sociology/English, St. Olaf College, 1981

Lantz’s research focuses on how public policy can address population health and reduce social disparities. Her recent work examines abortion policy, housing policy, and the exacerbation of inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also explores the role of Critical Race Theory in health sciences and the impact of medicalization on equity.

Her publications highlight interdisciplinary trends in public policy, reproductive health, and structural determinants of health. She integrates data analytics into public sector education through her course on R programming.

• Elected member, National Academy of Social Insurance
• Elected member, National Academy of Medicine

Paula Lantz is affiliated with the University of Michigan’s research centers, including the Science, Technology, and Public Policy program, the Center for Racial Justice, and Poverty Solutions. Her work spans analytic methods, gender/race equity, and poverty and social policy.