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Photograph of Jessica Owens-Young

Jessica Owens-Young Associate Professor CAS | DHS | Health Studies

Degrees
PhD, Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; MS, Health Promotion Management, American University; BA, Political Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Favorite Spot on Campus
AU Library
Bio
Jessica Young is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Studies at American University. Her work broadly focuses on health in economically distressed and under-resourced communities. Dr. Young’s research centers on investments and policies that improve health through community and economic development and the roles race and racism play in shaping these investments and policies. She has been published in a variety of peer-reviewed journals, such as the American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, Journal of Law and Medical Ethics, Epidemiologic Reviews, and Family and Community Health.

Dr. Young’s current research projects focus on the intersection of community development and health, including the roles and impacts of philanthropy in designing, scaling, and translating community development and health initiatives into policy. Dr. Young is also examining health in economically distressed communities, especially those communities experiencing economic changes or instability (i.e., evolving from a manufacturing economic base to a knowledge or services economy).

Prior to American University, Dr. Young worked as a Program Associate at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Dr. Young completed her PhD in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, specializing in Health and Public Policy.
For the Media
To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.

Teaching

Fall 2024

  • HLTH-335 Health Program Planning

AU Experts

Area of Expertise

food deserts; the impact of parks and recreation, housing and air quality on community health; health disparities; diversity and inclusion of public health faculty in higher education; philanthropy and community development and health.

Additional Information

Jessica Young is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Studies at American University. Her work broadly focuses on health in economically distressed and under-resourced communities.

For the Media

To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.

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