Danelle Stevens-Watkins: 2026-27 University Research Professor Q&A

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 2, 2026) — Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., a licensed health service psychologist and professor of counseling psychology in the University of Kentucky College of Education, has been honored as a 2026-27 University Research Professor.

After completing an American Psychological Association-accredited internship at the Federal Medical Center, Stevens-Watkins began honing her passion for research. She has authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and secured more than $11.8 million as principal investigator and $99 million as co-investigator for research funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Institute on Child Health and Human Development, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute for General Medical Sciences.

Stevens-Watkins earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from UK and an M.A. in clinical psychology from Spalding University. She began her teaching career at UK briefly in 2008 as a visiting assistant professor and returned in 2013 as an assistant professor. She has served as acting dean for the UK College of Education and a former associate vice president for research.

Stevens-Watkins focus on students includes serving as a primary advisor for 18 doctoral graduates. She has been recognized for excellence in research, teaching and mentoring by the Kentucky Psychological Association. As a native Kentuckian, Stevens-Watkins is passionate about leveraging her knowledge as a clinical scientist to improve the health and lives of citizens of the Commonwealth.

She spoke with UKNow about her latest honor as a University Research Professor in this Q&A.

UKNow: What does it mean to you to be recognized as a University Research Professor?

Stevens-Watkins: Being recognized as a University Research Professor is truly a full-circle moment for me. The University of Kentucky is where I cultivated a passion for research over 22 years ago, when I pursued a Ph.D. after starting a career as a clinician. Over the past two decades, conducting research that improves lives, mentoring students and junior scholars in the research process and serving as a research priority area leader at UK have been my utmost fulfilling career achievements. The recognition as a University Research Professor is an esteemed honor I do not take for granted.

UKNow: How will the professorships program advance your research?

Stevens-Watkins: I have an established research program focused broadly on health disparities and was the principal investigator of the first known national research study supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse examining the opioid epidemic within African American communities. My work has been featured on NBC News Now and NPR. I plan to continue to advance my research in this area by testing the effectiveness of campaign messages to encourage use of medications for opioid use disorders and prevent overdose deaths. I will also utilize the support from the professorship to gather pilot data in preparation to submit a larger grant application to increase breastfeeding rates in Kentucky. I know that my two areas of research seem very different, however, my overarching goal is to leverage my skills as a scientist to devise sustainable interventions that build capacity within communities, ultimately leading to improvements in health across generations.

UKNow: What inspired your focus on this area of research?

Stevens-Watkins: My personal and clinical experiences working as a licensed psychologist and a certified lactation counselor inspired me as a researcher. Like so many others, I have witnessed the devastating impact of drug use within families. And when I became a first-time mother, I experienced a need for lactation support that was not readily available. Knowing how science can be utilized to help mitigate poor health outcomes has been the driving force behind my passion for research. I often think to myself how fortunate I am to have the education and ability to advocate for myself and my family. So many others often do not know where to start. My research seeks to equip individuals with the tools and resources needed to overcome health-related challenges and thrive.

UKNow: What continues to motivate your work?

Stevens-Watkins: Although there have been tremendous strides in reducing opioid-related overdose deaths in Kentucky and nationally, there remain significant disparities in treatment-seeking and retention. Further, Kentucky breastfeeding initiation rates are significantly lower than the national average, and rates of exclusive breastfeeding at six months are among the lowest in the nation. There are numerous factors that drive these disparities. I feel a sense of obligation to focus on devising sustainable solutions.

UKNow: How does your research impact Kentucky?

Stevens-Watkins: In my research focused on drug use, I lead a team that conducts community outreach in Louisville and Lexington, which includes neighborhood canvassing and providing overdose education along with life-saving naloxone. We have reached over 860 adults that use opioids. In my research focused on breastfeeding, with the support of the Center for Health Engagement and Transformation, I trained 50 “Community Transformers” in peer breastfeeding support. Kentucky is my home, and the people of the Commonwealth are the heart and soul of everything that makes this state great and are the true reason I am a proud Kentuckian. If I can focus my career on improving the lives of Kentuckians, I know that is legacy I can be proud of.

About the University Research Professors

Each year, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approves a cohort of faculty as University Research Professors. The distinction recognizes excellence in work that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in Kentucky and the world.

College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000.