Danielle R. Phillips, Ph.D., LSW, is an assistant professor at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, M.S.W. at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, and B.S. from the University of Georgia. Her research centers on improving health equity among historically marginalized and diverse populations; including gender-diverse youth, individuals in recovery from substance abuse disorders, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, using intersectional and strengths-based approaches to social policy analysis and intervention development. Her research focuses on using culturally relevant social justice frameworks to promote, protect, and enhance health outcomes (e.g., mental health and sexual reproductive health) and overall well-being among diverse populations. Danielle is collaborating on projects at the University of Maryland School of Public Health in the Community THRIVES Lab, focusing on adolescent sexual health, teen pregnancy, and parenting, and the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Health Lab. A former resident of Maui for 11 years, Danielle previously worked as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) serving as the Director of Social Services at Hale Makua Health Services and as a Substance Abuse Counselor at Malama I Ke Ola Health Center, a federally qualified health center. These practice experiences inform her research as it relates to social policy and interventions aimed at enhancing and promoting equity, access to healthcare, and overall well-being across diverse populations.

Ph.D., University of Maryland School of Social Work

M.S.W., University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

B.S., University of Georgia

• Health outcomes
• Health Services, Reform, and Advocacy
• Young and emerging adults
• Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations
• Youth experiencing homelessness
• Mental health and overall well-being
• Intersectionality Theory
• Strengths-Based Perspective
• Mixed methodologies
• Participatory action research methodologies

If you require the Curriculum Vitae document in an alternative format, such as large print, please contact Danielle Phillips at drphill@hawaii.edu.