Erin O'Neill, Ph.D., MCHES

Erin K. O'Neill, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Public Health in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Kean University. A dedicated academic administrator and educator, she joined Kean following a distinguished 15-year tenure at New Jersey City University, where she served as an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Population Health and Exercise Science Department. Dr. O’Neill’s scholarly and professional work focuses on improving community health outcomes, mitigating systemic health disparities, and fostering health justice and equity. As a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), she frequently serves as a consultant to government agencies and community health organizations to build effective public health strategy and policy. Notably, she was recognized as a 2021 Fellow with the National Leadership Academy for Public Health (NLAPH) through the CDC. Her research and teaching interests center on exploring the social determinants of health and designing educational environments that support healthy transitions for young adults. She holds a BS in Exercise and Sport Sciences from the University of Delaware, as well as an MS and a PhD in Health Promotion and Educational Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech.