Dr. Erin Shirley Orey
February 2, 2023 - - Posted by Sandra Johnson
Dr. Orey is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, a public health professional, and an engineer. Dr.
Orey is the Associate Director of Research at the Prevention Research Institute (PRI), where she
leads research projects: data collection/management, advanced analyses, and the creation of
lay-friendly reports, and manages research. PRI is committed to reducing problems related to
high-risk alcohol and drug choices.
She is also a co-founder of the Drs. Aaron and Ollye Shirley Foundation—a nonprofit established
to honor the enduring legacy of her parents, who dedicated their lives to advancing health
equity and quality public education in underserved communities.
She remains actively engaged in mission-driven organizations. Currently, she serves on the
Board of Directors of the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi, where she chairs the Grants
Committee, which awards over $4 million in grants to mission-aligned organizations.
She holds a B.A. in Physics from Xavier University, a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Southern
University and A&M College, an M.S. in Manufacturing Management from Kettering University,
and a Doctorate in Public Health from Jackson State University.