Alvin Thomas, PhD

Alvin Thomas is the Phyllis Northway Faculty Fellow and Associate professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Dr. Thomas is a clinical psychologist whose work promotes the intersection of positive youth development and father involvement. A member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s child well-being forum, he investigates the contexts and outcomes for Black children, Black fathers, and their families addressing three issues through an ecological lens (a) Youth violence, (b) fatherhood and parenting, and (c) discrimination. Dr. Thomas is highly recognized psychologist in the field of family studies, and child development. His awards include the coveted 2021 Louise Kidder Early Career award recipient from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, 2022 Early Career award recipient from the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences; and the 2022 Outstanding Alumni for the Max Planx Life Course program. Dr. Thomas is the executive producer and host of the multi-award winning "Black Fatherhood Podcast and The Black Fathers’ Pulse" which explores issues related to representation, and challenges faced by, Black fathers. The Black Fathers' Pulse Podcast exists to educate, validate, and elevate Black fathers, while telling their stories.