Research Instructor
M.S.
Location
Summary Statement
Natalie O’Brien, with a M.S. in Clinical Psychology, joined the Child and Adolescent Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program (CHAAMP) in 2023. With two decades devoted to youth injury prevention and mental health research, she is an impassioned advocate for the well-being of children and adolescents, especially those who’ve experienced trauma. She is also deeply committed to revolutionizing suicide prevention and postvention efforts in the United States.
Throughout her career, Natalie has led numerous research projects, focusing on intervention development, policy assessment, and outcome evaluation. Her insights have guided recommendations for policy enhancements. She also has also created and disseminated valuable resources for parents and practitioners, ensuring that research findings are accessible and actionable in the community. Natalie has overseen community-based projects aimed at translating research into tangible, real-world solutions. Her expertise has been instrumental in establishing and offering technical support to stakeholder groups.
Before joining CHAAMP, Natalie held the position of Senior Research Associate at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center, where she led research on teen driver safety. Outside of her professional pursuits, Natalie enjoys quality time with her family, cycling, and attending music festivals.