Deana Williams

Deana Williams

MPH, PhD
Dr. Deana Williams, MPH, PhD (she/her/hers) is a sexual and reproductive health researcher at the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University. Her research calls attention to systemic oppression and promotes the health and well-being of communities that are historically underserved. Dr. Williams’ specific research interests include health equity, racial justice and healing, queer liberation, diversity and inclusion within sexuality education, and the health and well-being needs, experiences, and strengths of LGBTQ+ communities of color. She has authored and co-authored multiple scholarly publications on health disparities and the social determinants of health. In addition to her work at Indiana University, Dr. Williams is an advisory board member for the HIV League, the only non-profit organization in the US that provides scholarships to students living with HIV. Dr. Williams has taught sexuality education for nearly a decade in collegiate, community, and clinical settings. She has also worked on several gender equity and sexual violence prevention and education initiatives spanning the Midwest as a skilled trainer, program planner, and workshop leader. She holds a Master of Public Health and a doctorate in Health Behavior from Indiana University.