Michelle Ann Williams

Michelle Williams Headshot (3)

Michelle Ann Williams is a prominent epidemiologist and public health scientist known for her extensive work in the field of maternal and child health. She is currently the Dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Early Life and Education

Michelle Ann Williams was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She moved to the United States at a young age and pursued her higher education in the field of public health. Williams earned her B.Sc. in Biology and Genetics from Princeton University. She then went on to receive her M.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Tufts University and her Sc.D. in Epidemiology from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Career

Williams began her career as a faculty member at the University of Washington's School of Public Health. During her tenure, she focused on reproductive health and perinatal epidemiology. She later joined the faculty at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she has held various leadership positions.

In 2016, Williams was appointed as the Dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, becoming the first black woman to hold this position. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding the epidemiology of pregnancy complications and preterm birth.

Research and Contributions

Williams' research primarily focuses on the epidemiology of maternal and child health, with a particular emphasis on pregnancy outcomes and preterm birth. She has published numerous articles in leading scientific journals and has been recognized for her contributions to the field of public health.

Her work has also extended to global health initiatives, where she has collaborated with international organizations to improve maternal and child health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Williams has received several awards and honors, including:

• The American Public Health Association's Abraham Lilienfeld Award
• The Society for Epidemiologic Research's Kenneth Rothman Career Accomplishment Award
• Election to the National Academy of Medicine

Personal Life

Williams is married and has two children. She is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in academia and public health.

See Also

• Epidemiology
• Public health
• Maternal and child health
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health