Dr. Torhonda Lee's Profile

• PhD, Public Health Education and Health Promotion - University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL
• MS Rehabilitation Counseling - Auburn University - Auburn, AL
• BA Psychology - Auburn University - Auburn, AL

Area of Expertise

• Public Health Education and Health Promotion
• Community Engagement Strategies
• Women's Health - Maternal Health

Current research, programs, or priority projects

The Courses I have Taught:

• MSPH 0631 Health Education and Health Communication
• MSPH 0630 Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation
• MSPH 0610 Psychosocial Determinants of Health
• MSPH 0615 Health Disparities/Inequities (co-taught with Dr. Abdalla)
• MSPH 0605 Introduction to Health Administration, Policy and Law

Area of Expertise

• Public Health Education and Health Promotion
• Community Engagement Strategies
• Women's Health - Maternal Health
• Qualitative and Community-Based Participatory Research - including photovoice
• Psychosocial Determinants of Health - including Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Currently pursuing training in advocacy instruction as a passion project

Selected publications, projects, presentations, or accomplishments

• Oranye, N. O., Dibaba, A., Nwankwo, I. U., Webb, L., Lee, T., Alexander, M., ... & Underwood, J. (2026). School-based versus community-based interventions for promoting mental health among school-age children in marginalised or underserved populations: a systematic review protocol. BMJ open, 16(6), e113697

• Hebert, E. P., Underwood, R., Beemer, R., Lee, T., Mead, A., Preston, M., Ross, L., Wood, R., & Young, J. (2025). Age, Sex, and Race Differences in College Students’ COVID-19 Perceptions, Behaviors, Policy Attitudes, and Vaccination Decision. American Journal of Health Studies, 40(1). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2025.751 

• Johnson, Tammie M. and Lee, Torhonda (2023) "Association Between LGB Status and Levels of Mental Distress, Florida BRFSS 2017-2019," Florida Public Health Review: Vol. 20, Article 7. Available at: https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/fphr/vol20/iss1/7 Impact Factor: 2.4 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 2.5 (2023)

Honors, grants, certifications, or professional memberships

• Master Certified Health Education Specialist
• National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Change Program - Lifestyle Coach - NPI #
• Society of Public Health Educators (SOPHE) Member
• American Public Health Association (APHA) Member 
  APHA Sections and Caucuses 
  *Public Health Education and Health Promotion
  *Maternal and Child Health
  *Black Caucus of Health Workers

   

  About me

  I am an Associate Professor, Public Health Program Director, and Department Head at Tuskegee University, where we prepare future public health professionals and advance efforts to improve community health. Born and raised in rural Southeast Alabama, my roots have shaped both my understanding of the challenges facing rural communities and my commitment to helping them thrive. Serving the region that helped shape me makes my work especially meaningful to me.
  
  My expertise includes public health education, health communication, community engagement, and research addressing health disparities—preventable differences in health outcomes across populations. Through teaching, mentorship, academic leadership, and collaborative research, I work to connect people, ideas, and resources to address complex public health challenges. My contributions to maternal and child health equity research and community-based initiatives reflect my belief that meaningful solutions begin with listening to the people we serve.
  
  As a leader, I bring creativity, thoughtful reflection, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset to my work, always seeking opportunities to strengthen communities while preparing the next generation of public health leaders.

  I try to find joy in everyday moments. I believe laughter or a song can brighten almost any day!