Eric R. Wright is a 2nd Century Initiative (2CI) Professor of Sociology and Public Health and Chair of the Sociology Department at Georgia State University. As a medical sociologist, his research focuses on social dimensions of and public policy responses to mental health and illness, substance use and addiction, and sexual health. Professor Wright is an award winning teacher and deeply committed to engaging students in research and service learning projects to make learning more relevant and to build stronger bridges between the academy and the community.