Jill Denson, PhD

Education

BSW, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
MSW, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
PhD, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Professional Activities

Dr. Jill Denson is a research assistant professor in the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. She serves as director of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Prevention Research Center (UWPRC) where she engages researchers, community members, and translational partners in expanding community-based prevention research and health promotion to improve the health of women, infants, and families. In her work with the UWPRC, she guides students through applied practice experiences to improve the health of communities as a preceptor for the Master of Public Health program. Denson is an active member of the Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review Team and the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Teams for Dane County and the City of Milwaukee. Denson is also a member of Black Mamas Matter, a national organization dedicated to reducing maternal mortality for Black women while centering its focus on holistic care.

Clinical Interests

Denson is interested in maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, and health equity. She is particularly interested in developing programs, in building robust community partnerships, and in empowering the voices of those who are marginalized.

Research Interests

Denson’s research interests are rooted in collaborating with community partners to address health disparities through community-based participatory research. Her research utilizes group concept mapping to understand how social and structural determinants affect health in community settings. In her role as director and principal investigator of the UWPRC, she leads efforts to conduct high-quality applied health promotion and disease prevention research in maternal and child health with a focus on health equity.