Ed-Dee G. Williams

Ed-Dee G. Williams’ area of research is concerned with improving help-seeking behaviors and access to mental health support for Black adolescents experiencing depression. His work up to this point focused on Black adolescent males in high school and their utilization of available mental health resources in their schools and community, and uses a mixed-methods approach. Williams looks to leverage his expertise to branch into research on Black autistic adolescents, their experiences with depression and their ability to access adequate support. A key aspect of his research is ensuring that it is fully grounded and accessible in the Black community. Williams received his Master of Social Work in interpersonal practice in mental health, and social policy and evaluation from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2014. He completed his PhD in Social Work and Sociology at the School's Joint PhD Program in the summer of 2021. He will begin a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Matthew J. Smith in the Level-Up Lab, where he will receive mentoring on quantitative intervention research methods specific to examining depression among Black autistic adolescents, and developing interventions to improve their access to adequate support.