Dr Shannon Lea Watkins has broad research interests in the social and structural determinants of health. Her current work focuses on the contexts and patterns of tobacco and cannabis use, with specific interests in adolescents and young adults, non-cigarette tobacco products (e.g., e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products), characterizing flavors, and the role of TikTok and other social media in tobacco product use. Another thread of Shannon’s research has focused on urban social-ecological systems, particularly in evaluating evidence, determinants, and outcomes of urban forest inequity.

As PRC Communications Lead, Shannon works to communicate our center's research findings, resources, and best practices to public health practitioners, community members, and research audiences. In collaboration with our team, she designed and maintains this website and oversees our dissemination on Twitter. 

Please comment on what one of the PRC-RH values means to you. 

To me, the value of health equity compels us to work for the social, environmental, and political conditions that will allow all community members to achieve their highest health potential. As a professor in a research university, it compels me to create healthy, supportive, inclusive academic conditions that will prepare public health practitioners and researchers to be health equity leaders. 

What PRC-RH-related work are you excited to share?

This website! Please explore and enjoy.