Dawna Thomas

Dr. Dawna Marie Thomas is jointly appointed in the departments of public health and of race, gender, and sexuality studies at Simmons University. She teaches a cross-section of courses that relate to women, culture, gender, race, family violence, and health and disability.

Dr. Thomas's research is grounded in her Cabo Verdean and African American cultural roots and in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, where she grew up and continues to live.

She researches health and disability policy, racial/ethnic and gender disparities in health, family violence, and identity development. Her study, "The Cabo Verdean Women's Project," includes four generations of Cabo Verdean women throughout New England, where she explored their experiences with domestic violence, health care, and disability, and concepts of womanhood.

Dr. Thomas's research has been published in journals and books. Her latest book, "Women's Health: Readings on Social, Economic, and Political Issues," includes a collection of articles on the history of women's health, access to health and disability services, health disparities, and culturally relevant approaches to more effective service delivery.