Promoting the Value of Public Health Research, Featuring Andra Wilkinson

Lorena Aceves (LA): Can you introduce yourself and share your research focus?

Andra describes her position at Child Trends as her dream job. Her research centers on federal and state systems that affect children and families’ health and well-being, particularly mental health, substance use, and maternal and child health. Her work often explores the intersections of these areas and how systems can better support families.

LA: What about research makes your heart happy?

Andra shared that research makes her heart happy because of her love for numbers: She likens a fresh dataset to a field of freshly fallen snow that she gets to explore. Beyond the joy of “playing with data,” she finds deep fulfillment in answering difficult questions that help governments and programs improve the lives of children and families. For her, research combines “hard nerd energy” with a meaningful impact on the world.

LA: How did research find you?

Though Andra originally followed a path toward becoming a physician (including a pre-med focus in college), she realized through shadowing doctors that medicine wasn’t her passion. Instead, a public health-focused job at Kaiser Permanente revealed her true interest: working with numbers and public health research and practice. She reflects that, while an interest in math and science may push many into a medical track, finding research was a fortunate pivot for her.

LA: Can you share examples of how your research has positively impacted children, youth, and families?

Andra highlighted two key examples.

First, in graduate school, she conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis on extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from 6 weeks to 1 year and routinely screening for postpartum depression. Her analysis suggested that these shifts would be highly cost-effective, contrary to prior research, and contributed to a broader policy shift: Today, 45 states offer Medicaid for a full year postpartum, enabling better screening and treatment for postpartum depression across a range of providers.

Second, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Andra advised policymakers on maintaining addiction treatment access despite pandemic restrictions. Her evidence-based input helped shape a bipartisan executive order expanding addiction treatment access, demonstrating how research can inform policy.

LA: How have you been impacted by working with the communities you study?

Andra reflected that partnering closely with communities has made her a better researcher. Listening directly to birth parents and caregivers of children with prenatal opioid exposure led her to ask more relevant questions. She emphasized that community-driven insights lead to stronger, more meaningful science and urged researchers to embrace humility and collaboration.

LA: What is your vision for the future of research in your field?

Andra hopes to shorten the sometimes decades-long gap between research publication and practical use by shifting how research funding is allocated. She envisions a future in which public dollars are directed more toward nonprofits and community-based organizations, who then set the research agenda based on lived experience and community priorities. In this paradigm, researchers would serve as “nerds for hire,” providing rigorous methods while deferring to communities’ expertise. This model fosters respect, equity, and relevance.

LA: What uplifting words would you like to share with researchers and communities?

Andra reminded listeners that public health has weathered many storms—from early HIV denial to ongoing vaccine hesitancy—and emerged resilient. While rebuilding public trust will require both innovation and listening to dissenting voices, public health science will survive and continue to protect communities. Her message is one of hope and persistence: The field will endure because of its vital role and the dedication of its people.