Maria Hands Ruz

Maria Hands Ruz is a Postgraduate Associate in the Child Study Center at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. She holds an MA in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, a BA in Psychology from Pacific University, and an AA in Psychology from Portland Community College.

Her research focuses on pediatric mental health, particularly suicide risk assessment and screening tool efficacy. Collaborating with Christine B. Cha, PhD, she has published a systematic review in Pediatrics evaluating test accuracy of suicide screening tools for pediatric patients. This work contributes to improving clinical decision-making and preventive care strategies in youth mental health.

Professional affiliations include the Cha Lab, where she engages in interdisciplinary research addressing child and adolescent psychological well-being. No awards or grants are explicitly listed, though her contributions to systematic reviews highlight commitment to evidence-based practices.