Scott Walters

Dr. Scott Walters serves as a Regents Professor in the Department of Population & Community Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center's College of Public Health, where he also directs the MS/PhD Program in Public Health Sciences. With over 25 years of academic experience, he maintains an active research program focused on evidence-based behavioral interventions for vulnerable populations.

His educational background includes:

• BA in Psychology from Biola University
• MA in Psychology from San Diego State University
• PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of New Mexico

Dr. Walters' research centers on developing and testing interventions to address high-risk behaviors, particularly among underserved groups. His work spans substance use, mental health, interpersonal violence, and cancer risk, with methodological expertise in motivational interviewing and technology-enhanced behavioral health interventions. Recent projects include smartphone-based interventions for people experiencing homelessness, communication skills training for military units, and vocational programs for justice-involved veterans.

His publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly productivity with emphasis on implementation science and practical applications. Recent work shows increased focus on just-in-time adaptive interventions, HEAL Initiative-related substance use research, and tailored approaches for populations with developmental disabilities.

Dr. Walters' significant contributions have been recognized through:

• Multiple teaching awards across three institutions
• Senior Consortium Research Fellowship with the U.S. Army Research Institute (2019-2023)
• Leadership of the HEALing Communities Study as Steering Committee Chair (2020-2025)

As an educator and mentor, he has conducted over 250 professional trainings through the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and has guided numerous research projects through 35 sponsored awards totaling millions of dollars. His current grant portfolio includes five active projects extending through 2029, focusing on substance use interventions, smartphone-based behavioral approaches, and vocational outcomes for veterans.

Dr. Walters maintains active collaborations across multiple sectors including healthcare, criminal justice, and community organizations, with his evidence-based approaches being commercialized for national implementation.