Douglas J Engelman

I began my teaching career here at UNCW in August of 2020, the same month I received my Doctorate in Sociology from the University of South Florida. I’m a Medical Sociologist, with a strong focus on mental health.

In the classroom, I work to create an engaging environment where students work together to tackle complex sociological concepts. Recently, I’ve been exploring ways to use AI to enhance how students learn. Working with a UNCW multi-disciplinary team on a project called HawkAI, we’re excited to see how technology can support student learning and wellness.

Outside of the classroom, I am engaged in multiple positions that have exposed me to the many, many challenges faced by families dealing with mental health challenges. I’m currently the chair of the Disability, Mental Wellness and Social Justice Division of the Society for the Study of Social Problems, I’m proud to be on the board of NAMI Wilmington, where I contribute to initiatives that support families and individuals navigating mental health challenges, and chair of NAMI North Carolina’s Affiliate Leadership Council.

Outside of teaching and community service. I’m an author. My memoir, A Boy Broken, is deeply personal—it reflects on loss and resilience while weaving in my belief in Stoic philosophy. I’ve come to see life’s challenges as opportunities to contribute positively to others and to grow as a person.

At the end of the day, my work is about making connections-whether is it with students, other faculty, or the broader mental health community.

Education

Ph.D. Sociology, University of South Florida
M.A. Sociology, Northern Illinois University
B.A. Sociology, North Central College

Specialization in Teaching

Courses Developed:
Graduate Level: Sociology of Health and Illness
Undergraduate Level: Social Science Statistics; Introduction to Sociology; Social Psychology; Social Problems; Deviant Behavior; Sociology of the Family; Issues in Social Justice, Medical Sociology, Sociology of Mental Disorder, Sociology of Aging

Certificate of Completion: Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center
Northern Illinois University, 2014

Canvas Design Your Own Course (DYOC) Course Evaluation and Certification
University of South Florida, 2020

Research Interests

I’ve been exploring ways to use AI to enhance how students learn and stay focused. Working with a UNCW multi-disciplinary team on a project called HawkAI, we’re excited to see how technology can support student learning and wellness. We currently have two projects under way; 1) Developing an AI generated Chatbot for student wellness; Academic, Social, Physical, and Mental Health. This project is currently in phase 1, a series of focus groups of students reacting to and contributing their insights in this project. 2) Training a Microsoft Co-Pilot Chatbot to work with students on very specific academic concepts outside of the classroom - becoming in essence a personal tutor working with students at their own pace to aid their understanding of the material. My project will be utilizing my book mentioned above as the content for students to digest, understand, and report on.

Professional Service

UNCW Committee service:
Social Justice Symposium Committee Co-Chair, 2024
Social Justice Symposium Committee Member, 2022
University of North Carolina: Teacher Education Counsel, Member 2021-2022
University of North Carolina Wilmington: Quality Enhancement Plan Committee, 2021-2022
NAMI on Campus Faculty Advisor, 2021-present
Abigail Kampschroeder Honors Thesis Committee Member, 2023-2024
Anna Rice Honors Thesis Advisor, 2023-2024
Marissa Button FYRE Mentor, 2023
Skyler McLaughlin Masters Thesis Committee, Member 2023
Erica Spivery Masters Thesis Committee, Member 2022
Britley Learnard Honors Thesis Committee, Member 2022

Professional organizations:
Society for the Study of Social Problems Division Chair - Disability, Mental Wellness, and Social Justice
America Sociological Association Member – Sections: Disability; Mental Health; Teaching & Learning
Southern Sociological Society Current Member
Alpha Kappa Delta Honors Society Current Member
Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction Former Member
Midwest Sociological Society Former Member

Peer Reviewer:
2015 Journal of Mental Health
2018 Society and Mental Health
2019 Society and Mental Health
2020 Journal of Health and Social Behavior
2021 Journal of Loss and Trauma
2021 Society and Mental Health
2021 Sociological Imagination Journal

Community Engagement

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wilmington, Vice-President
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wilmington, former President
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Carolina, Chair, Affiliate Leadership forum

Podcast Co-Host - "Who Isn't F*cking Crazy"

Honors & Awards

University of North Carolina Wilmington - Certificate of Recognition for Invention of "HawkAI" 2024
University of North Carolina Wilmington - CHSSA Teaching Grant, 2025
University of North Carolina Wilmington – Charles L. Cahill Research Grant, 2021-2022
University of South Florida – Distinguished Teaching Award, 2019
University of South Florida – Distinguished Teaching Award, 2017
Northern Illinois University – Francis Rowe Katz Award and Scholarship, 2013