Dr. Carolyn Roberts

Biography

Carolyn Roberts is a historian of science and medicine at Yale University, holding a joint appointment in the Departments of History and the History of Science and Medicine, as well as a secondary appointment at Yale School of Medicine. Her research investigates the intersections of medicine, science, and healthcare from historical perspectives, aiming to support human thriving. Specializing in African American history, Dr. Roberts explores themes related to race, medicine, and the historical context of healthcare, particularly focusing on the Atlantic world and the impact of the slave trade on contemporary health issues. She is the founder of the Tubman Lab for Health Innovation, which operates as a hub for mixed methods research and aims to create educational innovations in health care education. Dr. Roberts is actively engaged in developing solutions to healthcare challenges with a focus on community-driven initiatives while working on her forthcoming book, 'Heal Harm: The Origin Story of Predatory Medicine in the Western World,' which traces the connections between historical medical practices and the legacy of the slave trade. As an award-winning educator, she has received several accolades for her teaching excellence and actively leads workshops and seminars for various institutions. Her courses have gained significant attention, attracting hundreds of students and emphasizing care, compassion, and critical thinking in understanding complex issues in medical history.

Research Interests