Research Institute ForSocial Equity

Chelsie Dunn, PhD, MPH, serves as a senior research associate at the Research Institute for Social Equity in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. Identifying as both a basic and applied researcher, Dunn has more than nine years of experience in urban public health, health psychology, program facilitation and evaluation, and health equity. She has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the 2022 VCU Quest Fund where she is studying equity within housing programs in Virginia. In addition, Dunn was inducted into Psi Chi, an international honor society in psychology.
 
Dunn’s areas of expertise include: HIV prevention, positive body image, health and racial equity, program facilitation and evaluation, and public health. Broadly, her research focuses on reducing health and racial disparities among historically marginalized populations through the development of intersectional measurements and culturally responsive interventions. Dunn has published in reputable journals within her field, including Body Image; presented at international, national and regional conferences; and led community workshops and focus groups. Using an intersectional lens, she continues to amplify the voices and needs of the community through translational research.
 
Prior to joining VCU, Dunn served as a national board member for the Association of Black Psychologists and fidelity coder at RAND Corporation. Dunn earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Wesleyan College, a Master in Public Health degree in urban public health from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science, and a Master in Arts degree in clinical psychology from Alliant International University. Proudly, Dunn earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in health psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.