Kenneth R. Conner

Kenneth R. Conner, Psy.D., M.P.H. serves as Professor in both the Department of Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center's School of Medicine and Dentistry. He also holds the position of Co-Director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, where he has developed a robust research program focused on the intersection of substance use disorders and suicidal behavior.

Dr. Conner earned his PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Wright State University (1993), followed by an MPH in Public Health from the University of Rochester (2002), and completed his undergraduate studies in Social Work at SUNY College at Buffalo (1985), graduating Summa Cum Laude.

His research program spans over two decades with particular expertise in alcohol- and drug use in relation to suicidal behavior. His work has evolved from examining etiological relationships between substance use and suicide to developing innovative interventions, including brief interventions for at-risk military service members and Veterans, as well as interventions for individuals with alcohol- or drug use problems who have been hospitalized following suicide attempts. His most recent work includes developing projects to prevent unintentional drug overdose.

Analysis of Dr. Conner's 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on suicide prevention across multiple populations including military personnel, Veterans, rural Chinese populations, deaf individuals, and those with substance use disorders. His research increasingly incorporates culturally competent approaches and examines healthcare system interventions within emergency departments.

• Dean's Excellence in Research Award (2006)
• Excellence in Teaching in the Psychology Training Program (2004)
• Edwin Shneidman Award for Outstanding Early Career Contribution to Suicide Research (2003)
• Outstanding Young Alumnus Award (2003)
• Summa Cum Laude (1985)

Dr. Conner has secured substantial funding from major agencies including the National Institutes of Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He is recognized for his mentorship, having guided numerous junior faculty and postdoctoral fellows, including three Career Development Awardees. His work bridges emergency medicine, psychiatry, and public health to develop practical interventions that can be implemented in real-world settings.

As Co-Director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, Dr. Conner leads a multidisciplinary team focused on developing, implementing, and evaluating suicide prevention strategies. His current projects emphasize culturally responsive interventions and system-level changes in emergency departments to address both suicide risk and substance use disorders simultaneously.