Dr. Keisha L. Bentley-Edwards is an associate professor at Duke University’s School of Medicine, General Internal Medicine Division. She is also the associate director of research and director of the Health Equity Working Group for the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity. 

Dr. Bentley-Edwards is a developmental psychologist whose interdisciplinary research focuses on how race, gender and racism stress influence social, health and academic outcomes. Her work has particularly focused upon the development of culturally relevant measurement and research that addresses racial/ethnic socialization, racial cohesion and dissonance and the intersection of race and gender throughout the lifespan. 

Her current NIH funded project investigates the role of religion on cardiovascular disease risk factors for African Americans. She has provided expert commentary to national and regional media outlets on issues relating to race, social justice and disparities in health and education. Overall, she uses research to guide parents, policy makers and practitioners to support healthy functioning.