Amanda J. Fairchild

Dr. Amanda J. Fairchild is a Professor and Associate Department Chair in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Carolina, part of the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. She also serves as a Faculty Associate at the SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality in the Arnold School of Public Health and directs the Quantitative Ph.D. Concentration. Her roles include leadership in faculty development and interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Dr. Fairchild holds a Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology (Arizona State University, 2008), an M.A. in Psychological Science (James Madison University, 2004), and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina (2000).

Her research focuses on statistical methodologies for prevention science, including mediation/moderation analysis, causal inference, and psychometrics. Collaborative work spans neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health, HIV/AIDS, and health promotion. Key areas include developing robust statistical tools for applied researchers and advancing causal inference frameworks.

Dr. Fairchild has been recognized with awards such as the APS Fellow (2022), Carolinian Creed Champion Award (2022), and Michael J. Mungo Graduate Teaching Award (2019). She leads NIH-funded projects totaling over $10 million, including studies on aging in FMR1 premutation carriers and interventions for underserved populations.

As a mentor, she has guided over 20 graduate students in quantitative methods and substantive research. Her service roles include membership on the University Committee on Tenure & Promotions, leadership in DEI initiatives, and editorial board positions.

Current projects include causal mediation analyses in longitudinal health studies, HIV/AIDS prevention in the Deep South, and neurocognitive research in HIV-affected populations. Dr. Fairchild’s work bridges methodological innovation with real-world applications in public health and clinical settings.