Health Science Faculty & Staff
FACULTY
Brandon A Moton, DrPH, MPH
Division Director and Assistant Professor
Dr. Brandon A Moton earned a Doctor of Public Health Degree in Behavioral Sciences
and Health Education and a Master of Public Health Degree with a concentration in
Health Policy and Management from Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy and
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health. He also holds a B.A. in Political
Science from Florida State University.
Dr. Moton’s research interests are in sexual health disparities, sexual behaviors,
and HIV prevention among racial & ethnic minorities. Currently, his research seeks
to examine the impact of hookup culture and social-media dating applications among
black gay, bi-sexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). His goal is to reduce
the research-to-practice gap to support improved health outcomes among black gay men
and other racial & ethnic minorities by applying evidence-based programs and interventions.
Dr. Moton holds professional memberships with the Florida Public Health Association
and the American Public Health Association.
Jazmyne Simmons, PhD, MPH
Jazmyne Simmons is a social science researcher and Visiting Instructor in the Division
of Health Science. Simmons is currently completing her Doctor of Philosophy degree
in Communication Studies with a concentration in Health Communication at the University
of Miami. She holds a Master of Public Health Degree with a concentration in Behavioral
Science and Health Education from Florida A&M University, Institute of Public Health.
Simmons also holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Criminology from the
University of South Florida. Lastly, she has served in research capacities at both
Moffitt Cancer Research Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Professor Simmons’ research interests lie at the intersection of minority health,
interpersonal communication, and mass media. To date, her research has been awarded
nearly $50,000 in federal and institutional funding (University of Miami). Simmons
most recently served as Co-Principal Investigator for a clinical trial study (NCT03898063)
funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences and the National
Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. This funding was awarded via
the University of Miami Clinical and Translational Science Institute to investigate
effective interventions for HIV status disclosure, stigma reduction, and medical adherence
among Black women living with HIV. Prof. Simmons’ has presented academic research
at the national and international level. She holds professional memberships with the
National Communication Association, the International Communication Association, the
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, and the American Public
Health Association.
Marilyn A Weatherspoon, PhD
Assistant Professor
Dr. Marilyn A Weatherspoon completed her graduate training at Florida State University
by earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Masters
of Social Work degree with a Clinical Concentration. She completed her undergraduate
training at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Psychology. Her research interests are in aging, psychosocial adjustment
to disability, and health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. The ultimate
goal of her research is to bridge the gaps in the understanding of the differences
in the process of adjustment to disability among younger and older adults. She has
extensive training in working with people with intellectual disabilities living in
community settings. Dr. Weatherspoon is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
and coordinates the Rehabilitation Services Management Certificate.
Willie L. Williams, DrPH
Assistant Professor
Willie L. Williams is an Assistant Professor in the School of Allied Health Sciences,
Division of Health Science at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Dr. Williams earned a
Doctor of Public Health Degree in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education from the
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, and a
Master of Social Work degree from Florida A&M University. Dr. Williams has dedicated
more than eighteen years to working with youth and families in various capacities
such as Youth Organization Director, City-wide Event Coordinator, Community Program
Advisor/Evaluator, Targeted Case Manager, DCF Child Protective Investigator, MSW Mental
Health Therapist, Alternative Middle & High School Principal. Dr. Williams’s research
interests are in Assessing Youth Involvement and Engagement, Youth Behavioral Health
and Modifications, Youth Prevention & Intervention Program Evaluation, Impact of Social
Determinants of Health Among Minority Youth, and Health Disparities Among Minority
Youth. Within the community Dr. Williams is known for his extraordinary ability to
relate to at-risk youth and enhance programs serving young people. Dr. Williams has
served on several youth and community organization boards most notably the Omega Lamplighters,
Inc and currently the Vice President of the Florida A&M University NAA-Leon County
Chapter, Board Chair for the Tallahassee Trainers Foundation and FAMU Department of
Social Work Community Advisory Board. As an advocate, Dr. Williams has received
numerous recognitions notably, as the Social Worker of the year for the Big Bend National
Association of Social Workers, the Golden A.C.E. winner for Authentic Community Engagement,
and the Leon County Chapter, Florida A&M University NAA- John R. Haugabrook Award.
