Leah Murdock, M.A., LE, is a doctoral student in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, pursuing a Ph.D. in Health Education at the University of Kentucky. She is also completing a Graduate Certificate in Applied Nutrition and Culinary Medicine and a second Graduate Certificate in Research Methods in Education. Leah is an SREB Doctoral Scholar and holds a Master of Arts in Multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies from Texas Woman’s University, as well as a Master of Arts in Women’s Leadership with a specialization in Public Health from Mississippi University for Women. Her academic background also includes a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies with a concentration in Public Health and Social Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Her research examines culturally relevant health education for Black women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with a focus on its intersections with nutrition, women’s health equity, and patient-provider communication. Leah’s personal journey as a woman of color navigating health systems has shaped her commitment to improving health outcomes for Black women affected by PCOS. Integrating her academic research with community-based health education and entrepreneurship, Leah seeks to reduce health disparities, promote culturally responsive care, and advance health equity for women navigating complex hormonal and metabolic conditions.