Susan Ennett

Professor Susan Ennett is a distinguished faculty member at the Department of Health Behavior at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. With a career dedicated to public health research, teaching, and mentorship, she has made significant contributions to the understanding of health risk behaviors and their prevention. As a professor emerita, she continues to influence the field through her extensive research and academic involvement. Her research interests lie in the prevention of risky health behaviors, with a particular focus on how social contexts such as family, peers, schools, and neighborhoods impact health outcomes throughout the early stages of life. Professor Ennett has been instrumental in exploring the dynamics of youth alcohol and tobacco use, and she has developed family-based programs and school policies aimed at mitigating these behaviors. In addition to her research on adolescent health risk behaviors, Professor Ennett has a keen interest in doctoral research methods, guiding the next generation of public health scholars in their academic pursuits. Her work extends to critical areas such as cancer prevention, violence prevention, and substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive strategies in addressing youth health risk behaviors. Throughout her career, Professor Ennett has served as a mentor to countless students and colleagues, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. Her role as a former vice chair for Academic Affairs highlights her commitment to academic excellence and leadership within the university community. Professor Ennett's contributions to the field of public health have been recognized through numerous accolades and publications, solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in her field. Her ongoing dedication to research and education continues to inspire those around her, making a lasting impact on the study and prevention of health risk behaviors.