Keelia Silvis MPH

About Me

A neuroscientist turned public health professional, I spent six years in the addiction neuroscience lab of Mark J Thomas PhD, which is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical Discovery Team on Addiction (MDTA). I loved being a part of the changemaking science of the MDTA, but I hated seeing the disconnect between addiction research and addiction policy.

At the MDTA, my colleagues all knew that addiction was a serious chronic disease, but outside that bubble this disease was criminalized in ways that disproportionately harmed racialized communities. So I left the lab to pursue a career in public health, hoping to change policies through communications, advocacy, and collective action. In my role at CARHE, I leverage my rigorous scientific background, my connections to Minnesotan community advocates, and my passion for creating change. I love being part of this team, and I am inspired every day by my colleagues and the changemaking work they do!

I earned my dual BA in Neuroscience and Psychology from Macalester College and my MPH in Public Health Administration & Policy from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. I live in Northeast Minneapolis with my spouse and our two pet cats.

Email: [email protected]