William L. Jeffries IV

Associate Chief for Science

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Capacity Building Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention

Dr. William L. Jeffries IV earned his MA in sociology (2006), MPH in social and behavioral sciences (2008), and PhD in sociology (2009) at the University of Florida. Here, he began researching bisexual men’s health. During 2009–2011, he acquired post-doctoral training in applied epidemiology as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since this time, he has led and contributed to studies that examine racial/ethnic and sexual orientation-related health disparities. Much of this work has focused on HIV prevention challenges that are unique to bisexual men as well as social determinants of health. He currently serves as Associate Chief for Science in the Capacity Building Branch within CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. In this role, he contributes expertise that informs that development and clearance of capacity building assistance products designed to strengthen the United States’ public health workforce. However, he also maintains an active research agenda focused on the health of racial/ethnic and sexual minorities. Dr. Jeffries’ research and mentorship exemplify his commitment to promoting social justice and health equity for socially marginalized populations. He uses innovative research methods that highlight societal racism, homophobia, and other forms of social oppression as underlying determinants of health. His research and programmatic efforts emphasize the urgent need for federal, state, and local public health entities to purposefully develop interventions that counteract these and other forms of social injustice. Within and outside CDC, Dr. Jeffries formally and informally mentors countless young women and men. Since its inception, he has been a faculty advisor for the Young Black Gay Men's Leadership Initiative. In this role, he mobilizes young African American same-gender-loving men to address social and health problems that disproportionately affect them. Dr. Jeffries’ unwavering commitment to rectifying social injustices that adversely affect the well-being of racial/ethnic and sexual minorities is testament to his commitment to the lives of marginalized populations.