Charles H. Lea III, Ph.D., MSW

Research Interests:
Dr. Lea’s research and scholarship investigates the intersectionality of race/ethnicity, class, and gender in educational, correctional and neighborhood contexts, and the impact these issues have on the health and well-being of young Black men and boys at risk and involved in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Specifically, this research examines young adult (18-25) Black men’s risk and resilience processes during their reentry from correctional facilities to high-stress urban neighborhoods (i.e., poverty, violence/crime, and racial discrimination). This research also investigates the social-cultural assets within correctional and community-based reentry programs that can promote healthy development and protect against the negative impact stress has on their risk of HIV infection, substance abuse, and criminal activity. Overall, his program of research seeks to develop knowledge and build theory that informs policies, practices, and interventions that can promote resilience and healthy development among young Black men and boys’ as well as lessen their risk for health compromising behaviors, arrest, incarceration, and recidivism.