معرفی
April Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Auburn University within the College of Liberal Arts. She is the director of the Research on Eating Disorders and Suicidality (REDS) Laboratory and co-director of the Auburn Eating Disorders Clinic (AEDC), where she leads research and clinical training in high-impact mental health areas. She joined Auburn in 2021 after serving as an associate professor at Miami University.
Education:
- PhD, Clinical Psychology, Florida State University
- MS, Florida State University
- BA, University of Texas, Austin
Dr. Smith’s research centers on understanding the psychological and biological mechanisms underlying eating disorders and suicidality. She investigates how interoception—the ability to perceive internal bodily states—relates to self-harm and suicide risk, particularly among individuals with eating disorders and military populations. Her work employs innovative methodologies such as ecological momentary assessment and network analysis to identify real-time risk factors.
Her recent publications highlight trends in military suicide, identifying feelings of burdensomeness, low belonging, and agitation as key drivers. She also explores how reconnecting with bodily sensations through interventions like progressive muscle relaxation and mindful eating can reduce self-harm. These articles reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus on clinical psychology, public health, and psychophysiology, particularly in high-risk groups.
Scientific Awards:
- 2016 Rising Star, Association for Psychological Science
- 2024 Auburn University Alumni Professorship
Dr. Smith has secured over $7.5 million in funding from the Department of Defense and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to support her research. She mentors students and collaborates widely, though specific advisees are not listed. She teaches advanced graduate courses such as Structural Equation Modeling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her work has significant implications for suicide prevention strategies in both civilian and military settings.
She leads the REDS Lab, which conducts cutting-edge research on eating disorders and suicidality, using multimodal assessment techniques to understand risk and resilience. The lab is actively involved in developing and testing interventions like the RISE (Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences) program to improve interoceptive awareness and reduce self-harm.
