Valerie Edwards

Dr. Valerie Edwards, Ph.D., is a highly respected Research Psychologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she has served since 1998. With nearly three decades of federal service and a deep background in social psychology, Dr. Edwards has made impactful contributions to public health research, particularly in the domains of behavioral science, health promotion, and health equity. Dr. Edwards earned her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin, where she cultivated a strong foundation in understanding how social and cognitive factors influence behavior. Her academic journey prepared her to tackle the real-world complexities of human behavior, decision-making, and public health messaging. At the CDC, Dr. Edwards applies her psychological expertise to address pressing public health challenges. Her work supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions aimed at improving health outcomes through behavioral change. She has contributed to research that informs national strategies on topics such as disease prevention, health communication, sexual health, adolescent health, and vaccine uptake. Throughout her career, Dr. Edwards has been committed to translating research findings into actionable strategies for both policymakers and public health practitioners. Her approach integrates the science of attitudes, norms, and perception with programmatic efforts that influence individual and community behaviors. She is particularly interested in how cultural, environmental, and psychological factors interact to affect public health behaviors and outcomes. Dr. Edwards is also known for her collaborative style and multidisciplinary work, often partnering with epidemiologists, statisticians, and policy analysts to ensure that psychological insights are integrated into program evaluations and risk communication strategies. Her long tenure at the CDC has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to a wide range of initiatives, including response efforts to emerging public health crises and long-term studies that assess behavioral risk factors across populations. Outside of her research, Dr. Edwards is a mentor and advocate for rising professionals in the behavioral sciences and public health sectors. She actively supports the application of psychological principles to real-world health issues and encourages the use of mixed-methods approaches to uncover deeper insights into behavior and program impact. Based in Decatur, Georgia, Dr. Valerie Edwards continues to champion the role of psychology in advancing public health objectives. Her dedication to evidence-based practice and health equity continues to shape the field, demonstrating the powerful intersection of psychology and public health in improving lives nationwide.