Kennicia Fortson

Dr. Fortson earned her PhD in Public Health from Georgia State University, along with both a Master of Public Health and a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia. Prior to her doctoral studies, she worked as a medical social worker. Her dissertation focused on multilevel factors influencing alcohol use and mental health outcomes among Black college students, as well as within-group differences in stressors, alcohol use, and posttraumatic stress symptoms by institution type. Dr. Fortson’s research centers on the etiology and prevention of health inequities in racially and ethnically minoritized populations, with a particular focus on substance misuse, mental health, and traumatic life experiences. She supports Dr. Mennicke’s work on various VPC projects aimed at preventing violence and associated behavioral risk factors. In her free time, Dr. Fortson enjoys spending time with loved ones, winning at game nights, trying new restaurants, and attending concerts.