Michaela Howells, associate professor in the Department of Anthropology, is the recipient of a 2023 Equity Award from the New Hanover County Office of Diversity and Equity.
The award honors individuals in New Hanover County who have used their platforms to expand and elevate equity and diversity in the community. Howells was recognized in the area of education.
Howells’ research focuses on how maternal psychosocial and biological stress associated with social status and identity impacts neonate outcomes and health disparities after a natural disaster. Her students participate in applied learning opportunities with community partners including MedNorth, SEEDS of Healing, New Hanover County NAACP, YWCA of the Cape Fear Coast, Out Wilmington LGBTQ Seniors (OWLS), and the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast, as well as the global health community.
“Anthropology teaches us to value diversity and recognize it as critical to both cultural and biological success,” said Howells. “I am thankful that the leadership of UNCW and the Department of Anthropology support and recognize the value of taking an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to addressing the most challenging issues of our time in an equitable and sustainable way.”
Howells received the award at the Equity Awards Gala on Aug. 11 at the Wilmington Convention Center.
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