Eric R. Wright is a Distinguished University Professor of Sociology and Public Health and Chair of the Sociology Department at Georgia State University. He holds a BA in sociology from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and an MA and PhD in sociology and human sexuality from Indiana University Bloomington. As a medical sociologist, his research interests center on social and public policy responses to mental health and illness, substance use and addictions, and sexual health and sexual behavior. Currently, Dr. Wright is actively involved in conducting research to understand and ameliorate social and health problems and disparities in minority and other vulnerable communities, including homeless youths as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people (LGBTQ). He has extensive experience in working with community organizations as well as local and state government to better understand community needs and improve the effectiveness of social-, health-, and healthcare-related programs and policies.