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Dr. Jenkins’ scholarship is broadly mental health and mental health equity. Specifically, he explores structural vulnerability based on race, gender, class, and ability with respect to loneliness and belonging in the lives of Black transgender communities. His research reframes loneliness and wellbeing as structural and relational conditions shaped by anti-Blackness, transmisogyny, and systemic exclusion. Dr. Jenkins’ dissertation, Black Trans Loneliness: A Heuristic Inquiry, is among the first studies to theorize loneliness as a structural condition and specifically through the lens of Black trans experience. He approaches his work with the belief that knowledge production is an act of love that brings to light the pain and beauty of human experience. His qualitative, arts-based and community-engaged approaches centers the lived experiences and creative knowledge of Black trans adults as critical sources for reimagining social work practice and healing. His teaching and research are united by a commitment to belonging, liberation, and justice to build bridges between theory, lived experience, and transformative social work practice.

His publications appear in Affilia: Feminist Inquiry in Social Work, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, Community Mental Health Journal, and the Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare. Dr. Jenkins’ article and foundation of his dissertation, (Un)Belonging: The production of Black trans loneliness puts forward a theory of structural isolation to explain manifestations of loneliness due to discrimination and oppression of Black trans people. His co-authored book chapter in Social Work and Health Care with Transgender and Non-Binary Individuals and Communities examines substance use and recovery within trans and nonbinary populations, offering inclusive and affirming service models. In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Jenkins has led and co-authored numerous community-based evaluation studies focused on homelessness, mental health recovery, and trauma-informed care.