Jerel Ezell

Name and title:

Jerel Ezell, Assistant Professor, Africana Studies and Research Center

Academic focus:

Health disparities and social inequalities

Current research project: 

Exploring health, socioeconomic outcomes and political views in Flint, Michigan, following the city's water crisis and examining racial trends in opioid use in post-industrial cities

Previous positions:

• Medical Sociologist, University of Chicago, 2017-2020
• Program Evaluator, Umoja Student Development Corporation, 2017-2019
• Program Evaluator, Western Michigan University, 2013-2017
• Epidemiologist, Henry Ford Hospital, 2011-2013
• Research Assistant, Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, 2009-2011

Academic background: 

• Ph.D., Sociology, University of Chicago, 2020
• M.P.H., Sociomedical sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, 2010
• B.A., Anthropology, University of Michigan, 2008

Last book read:

“1984” by George Orwell

In your own time/when not working:

Playing Playstation 4 and watching Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons and University of Michigan football and basketball

Courses you’re most looking forward to teaching:

Diasporic and Indigenous Health, Post-Industrialism and Inequality

What most excites you about Cornell:

Students and faculty who are interested in identifying and applying practical, real-world solutions and interventions to issues around health and social inequity--and the beautiful campus!