Lisa Wexler , Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Telephone: 413-545-2248
Email: lwexler@schoolph.umass.edu
Campus Address: 313 Arnold House
Dr. Wexler is an assistant professor of Community Health Studies, Department of Public Health. Dr. Wexler received her doctorate in Community Education from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and a Masters of Social Work from Florida State University. Her current research interests include understanding youth resilience in Alaska Native and circumpolar communities, exploring the relationship between culture, colonization and health, and identifying strategies to promote behavioral health in minority communities. Specifically, this community-based, participatory research has focused on suicide prevention in Native communities, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and the practice and structure of mental health services in rural, Indigenous communities. Dr. Wexler has a particular interest in the translation of research to practice and in helping communities adopt and integrate current research into their prevention and intervention strategies.
Recent Publications
Wexler, L., Hill, R., & Fenaughty, A (pending). Correlates of suicide and suicide attempts in northwest Alaska. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behaviors.
Wexler, L. (submitted). Youth and adult community member beliefs about Inupiat youth suicide and prevention. International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
Wexler, L. (In press). Inupiat Youth Suicide & Culture Loss: Changing Community Conversations. Social Science and Medicine.
Wexler, L. (2006). Deconstructing assimilation strategies—Learning resistance. Inupiat and the bureau of education 1885-1906 and implications for today. Journal of American Indian Education 45 (1):17-34.
Wexler, L. (2005). Inupiat youth suicide: A critical ethnography of problem-solving and response in northwest Alaska (sidebar). International Journal of Circumpolar Health 64 (2): 191.
Seppanen, P. & Wexler, L. (1999). Evaluation resources: Success for all children—Principals’ academy. Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, University of Minnesota.
