Jylana L. Sheats, PhD, MPH

Dr. Jylana L. Sheats is an Associate Professor and Course Director for Social Innovation Tools in the Social Behavioral and Population Sciences Department. Her research and practice span sectors, focusing on key themes of health equity and chronic disease prevention, technology-driven health interventions, citizen science and community engagement, interdisciplinary health and environmental solutions, and evidence-based systems-level change. Her work examines the structural and contextual determinants of chronic diseases, focusing on addressing racial and ethnic health disparities.

A 2016 National Institutes of Health BIRCWH Awardee and a 2021 Aspen Institute Civic Science Fellow, Dr. Sheats has been recognized for her innovative contributions to advancing equity in public health and science. She employs digital technologies, such as mobile apps and SMS platforms, to develop scalable, culturally tailored interventions that improve health behaviors, including eating and physical activity. Much of Dr. Sheats’ current work focuses on citizen science, climate mental health, and public engagement with science and science communication. Through digital citizen science methodologies, she empowers communities to actively participate in data collection and advocate for systemic change. Her research also integrates environmental health and climate change, addressing resilience, food environments and insecurity, and mental health challenges among vulnerable populations.

Known as a "boundary spanner," Dr. Sheats actively navigates across sectors and maintains an affiliation with the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program, where her efforts bridge the fields of science and public health while advancing equity and innovation. She provides strategic advisement and thought leadership, facilitating conversations with domestic and global leaders and translating scientific insights into actionable recommendations. Her work addresses critical questions on topics such as clinical trial diversity, equitable artificial intelligence, STEM diversity, public trust, and environmental health while ensuring that public health implications are recognized, considered, and integrated into efforts to drive meaningful change.