We are pleased to introduce Laurel Sprague, Ph.D., as the new Research Director and Blachford-Cooper Distinguished Scholar of the Williams Institute. Her work focuses on the health and social and political inclusion of LGBTQ individuals, sex workers, people who use drugs, and HIV communities. She has published articles in medical and social science journals, books, and UN reports, and has presented at the UN Human Rights Council, WHO, NIH, and the Congressional Black Caucus. Laurel previously served as the leader of Community and Youth Engagement for the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS in Geneva, where she coordinated efforts with UN Member States, communities, and researchers to enhance grassroots leadership and services. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Wayne State University, with a focus on political representation of marginalized groups, a M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University, and a B.A. in English from the University of Michigan.
