Dr. Hawkins research program focuses on identifying the causes of physical health disparities between Black men and non-Hispanic white men; and creating and evaluating diabetes health interventions with an emphasis on addressing the unique needs of Black men. Much of her work focuses on the intersection of race, age and gender in diabetes diagnosis and self-management in Black men has extensive experience conducting research on disparities in health care experiences and outcomes specifically for Black men. She has authored several peer-reviewed research articles focused on Black men’s T2D self-management health behaviors, chronic disease communication, and psychosocial and physical wellbeing. Dr. Hawkins is principal investigator of Men and Diabetes (MenD), a pilot/feasibility randomized control study of a peer led diabetes self-management and support intervention targeting Black men with T2D (PI: Hawkins; 1-R21-DK11733901-A1).