Michelle Nakphong, PhD
Assistant Professor
Medicine
School of Medicine

michelle.nakphong@ucs.eu 415-502-1000

I am a social epidemiologist and my research focuses on how social exclusion and inclusive policies impact the health of marginalized populations. Currently, my work focuses on guaranteed income as an inclusive policy as well as immigrant policies, housing, and sexual and reproductive health care.

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Building on over 2 decades of community-based policy advocacy work, I strive to amplify voices from low-income and minoritized communities.

My research addresses the core question: Can fostering social inclusion reduce health inequities? I build from a social exclusion framework conceived by Naila Kabeer (2000) and take a structural and policy approach to examining people's lived experiences. I use quantitative and qualitative methods to illuminate the complex mechanisms that underlie health disparities. Ultimately, I aim to influence inclusive policymaking and programs to promote health equity.

Awards

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  • Emerging Scholar, UCSF Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, 2024-2025
  • Inductee, Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health, 2023
  • Health Equity Challenge Award, UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and MolinaCares, 2022
  • Best Research Project, UCLA Community Health Sciences, 2022
  • Juneal Marie Smith Fellowship, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 2021
  • Best Paper, UCLA Community Health Sciences, 2020

Education & Training

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  • Postdoctoral Scholar Division of Prevention Sciences UCSF 4/2024
  • Inclusive Research Mentor Training 06/2023
  • PhD Community Health Sciences UCLA 09/2022
  • Policy Fellowship Policy Communication Population Reference Bureau 06/2022
  • BA Public Health, Natural Sciences Johns Hopkins University 05/2003

Grants and Projects

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Publications (22)

Top publication keywords:
MothersMaternal Health ServicesChild HealthPovertyUrban PopulationKenyaEmigration and ImmigrationAftercareExposure to ViolenceEmigrants and ImmigrantsSpouse AbuseMalnutritionMental HealthPostpartum PeriodPatient Satisfaction

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