Anamara Ritt-Olson

Anamara Ritt-Olson is an Associate Professor in Residence at the University of California, Irvine School of Public Health specializing in mental health as a public health issue. She directs the training program at the CERES Network (Connecting the EdTech Research Ecosystem) and serves as a Research MET Fellow at the Chao Family Cancer Center. Her work bridges digital health technologies, social media engagement, and community-based interventions to promote resiliency and well-being among culturally diverse adolescents and young adults, particularly cancer survivors.

• PhD in Preventative Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine (2005)
• Master’s in Psychology, California State University, Long Beach (1997)

Her research focuses on:

• Digital approaches to mental health promotion
• Substance use prevention in vulnerable populations
• Acculturation and cultural values in health outcomes
• Co-design of technology-based interventions
• Healthcare self-efficacy and survivorship care

Recent publications highlight trends in applying digital health to address substance use, mental health, and care transition challenges in childhood cancer survivors, with emphasis on Hispanic/Latinx populations and neurodevelopmental frameworks.

Notable scientific achievements include:

• H-Index Score: 38 (2020)
• Cancer Fellow, National Cancer Institute (2003–2004)
• Outstanding Graduate Student, California State University, Long Beach (1995–1997)

She leads the NIH-funded mHealth Training Institute (mHTI) and contributes to global initiatives like the CERES Network, focusing on educational technology and digital well-being for youth.