Pettifor, Audrey

UNC Service

I am currently very involved in the leadership of my department as the Associate Chair. In this position I am working with colleagues to address communication and connection between faculty, staff and students that has been so challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also working closely with students on issues of student finance challenges and also on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. At the University level, I am currently on the Faculty Council. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic I also had the privilege to advise the Chancellor, Provost and other leaders as part of the COVID-19 public health/medicine advisory group.

Candidate Statement

I have been a faculty member at UNC since 2004. As an epidemiologist, I have expertise in infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and also in adolescent mental health, sexual health, and LGBTQ+ health issues, Gender Based Violence, and other structural factors that impact the healthily transition of adolescents into adulthood. In addition, I have worked on global HIV research for over 25 years so also bring tremendous expertise in the area of global health research and teaching . I feel strongly about the importance of academic freedom for faculty to make decisions about curricula, hiring and promotion without outside interference. I also feel strongly about the importance of diversity equity and inclusion in the workplace and will fight against against racism and discrimination at UNC, in NC and the US.