Sara Wilcox

Dr. Sara Wilcox is a Professor and Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs at the Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, where she serves as Director of the Prevention Research Center. Her work focuses on community-engaged approaches to develop, implement, and evaluate behavioral interventions for physical activity and diet across diverse populations and settings.

Dr. Wilcox specializes in dissemination and implementation (D&I) research, with extensive expertise in designing theory-based interventions for weight loss, diabetes prevention, and health promotion among underserved groups including rural Black women, older adults, and postpartum populations. Her research frequently leverages faith-based organizations and addresses health disparities through community-clinical partnerships.

Her recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on technology-enhanced interventions (mLIFE, mobile health), dietary pattern comparisons (NEW Soul Study), and implementation science in faith-based settings (FAN program). Key trends include resilience mechanisms in mental health, gamification for behavior change, arthritis management, and cognitive health outcomes in aging populations.

No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided information.

Dr. Wilcox has secured continuous funding from major sources including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Defense, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She teaches EXSC 410 (Psychology of Physical Activity) and EXSC 710 (Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity), though no student advisees were documented in the source material.

As Director of the Prevention Research Center, she leads a multidisciplinary team translating evidence-based programs into community practice through partnerships with churches, clinical organizations, and public health agencies, with current focus on scaling interventions via digital and telehealth platforms.