Vickie M. Mays

Vickie M. Mays is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychology within the College of Letters and Sciences and a Professor in the Department of Health Services at the University of California, Los Angeles. She serves as Director of the BRITE Center for Science, Research, and Policy, focusing on eliminating health disparities through interdisciplinary research and policy initiatives.

Her educational credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
• M.S.P.H. in Health Services
• Postdoctoral training in psychiatric epidemiology and survey research (University of Michigan)
• Postdoctoral training in health policy (RAND)

Dr. Mays' research centers on mental and physical health disparities among racial/ethnic/sexual minorities, examining HIV/AIDS contextual factors, discrimination impacts on immunological and disease outcomes, and mental health service accessibility. Her work integrates epidemiological, sociological, and policy perspectives to address systemic barriers in minority health.

Analysis of her publication record (1989-2005) reveals consistent focus on health disparities measurement methodologies, race/ethnicity classification in research, and intersectional impacts of discrimination. Key trends include evolving frameworks for studying minority health, emphasis on sexual orientation within racial disparities, and policy-relevant approaches to HIV prevention and mental health service delivery.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Lifetime research award on women and HIV from AMFAR
• Women and Leadership Award from the American Psychological Association
• Multiple Distinguished Contributions for Research awards

Dr. Mays has secured significant grant funding including the California Quality of Life Survey (n=2,200+), testified before Congressional committees, and chaired the NCVHS Subcommittee on Populations. Her advising encompasses graduate training in minority health research ethics and methods, shaping future scholars in health disparities science.

She leads the BRITE Center's multidisciplinary team developing evidence-based interventions for minority health equity, with ongoing projects examining data collection standards for reducing disparities and community-engaged approaches to mental health service improvement.