Marquinta Harvey, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology in the Public Health Program. Dr. Harvey has served within the fields of epidemiology, biostatistics, microbiology, workplace wellness, mental health and behavioral neuroscience with over 15 years of experience ranging from biological and chemical warfare agent testing for the Department of Defense, to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms that control social stress. Dr. Harvey is a devoted public health advocate with a passion for understanding and applying information obtained from health data and research to improve processes that lead to better health outcomes for at-risk populations.

Prior to coming to Belmont University, Dr. Harvey served as an Epidemiologist for the Tennessee Department of Health Office of Informatics and Analytics. In this role, she acted as a liaison between the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to drive a data-driven response to the overdose epidemic.

Dr. Marquinta Harvey earned her Doctorate degree in Health and Human Performance from Middle Tennessee State University. She earned her Master and Undergraduate degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Behavioral Neuroscience and Microbiology, respectively.

When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Brandon, and two children, Levia and Brandon Jr, and dog Barry. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, reading, trivia, and singing.

Research Interest
Stress-related psychopathology, mental health, health disparities, and workplace wellness.

Publications
Harvey, M., Bowman, A., Bates-Fredi, D. (2020). Health Care and Critical Infrastructure: The False Narrative of Safety for Small and Mid-size Cities amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. Contexts: Sociology for the Public. American Sociological Associations Publication. Spring 2020.
Dulka, B. N., Koul-Tiwari, R., Grizzell, J. A., Harvey, M. L., Datta, S., & Cooper, M. A. (2018). Dominance relationships in Syrian hamsters modulate neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to social stress. Stress, 1-6.
Harvey, M.L. (2016). Can Technology Drive Engagement in Wellness Programs? HERO Scorecard Commentaries.
Harvey, M.L., Swallows, C.L. and Cooper, M.A. (2012). A double dissociation in the effects of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors on the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat in Syrian hamsters. Behavioral Neuroscience, 126: 530-537.

As the Program Assistant for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Bachelor of Social Work, I handle any and all of the office requirements. The favorite part of my job is working for and with students (who are the best!) in a one on one basis. I also enjoy working with our faculty who are an outstanding and professional group of people.

I was a stay at home mom for years before becoming a Substitute teacher with the Nashville Metro Schools for 3 years. I have been working with the Belmont Social Work Department since 1997 and the Public Health program since it started just a few years ago. The working environment at Belmont is wonderful because it brings together a rich community of students, faculty, and staff where we all learn from each other. I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies from Belmont in December 2007.

Away from the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband (fondly called 'Peach'), my four daughters, and my eight grandchildren. I am from a very close knit extended family and love getting together to celebrate large to small events with them. I am also very active with my church family. I love to read, play cards, and get together with friends.