Danielle R. Phillips, PhD, LSW, is an assistant professor at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health. Her research utilizes intersectional strengths-based social justice frameworks to promote, protect, and enhance health equity, access, and outcomes. Her focus is particularly on healthcare experiences, overall well-being, mental health, and sexual reproductive health among historically excluded, oppressed, and diverse populations, including sexual and gender-diverse youth and young adults, individuals in recovery from substance abuse disorders, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Before joining the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, Danielle earned a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, an MSW from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, and a BS from the University of Georgia. She previously worked as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Hawai'i and served as the Director of Social Services at Hale Makua Health Services for both Kahului and Wailuku. Additionally, she worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor at Malama I Ke Ola Health Center, the only federally qualified health center on the island of Maui.  

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

Teaching Interests

• Research Methodologies
• Social Work Practice with Individuals
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Special Topics: Smart Decarceration
• Qualitative Research Methods

• Health outcomes
• Young and emerging adults
• Gender and Sexuality
• Sexual reproductive justice and health
• LGBTQIA2S+ folx
• Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) folx
• 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.