Carol Fullerton

Dr. Carol Fullerton is a Research Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), where she has served as Scientific Director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress since 1990. She holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Maryland and has over three decades of expertise in trauma psychology.

Education:

• B.A. in Psychology, Alfred University (1972)
• M.A. in Developmental Psychology, University of Maryland (1975)
• Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, University of Maryland (1987)

Research Focus: Dr. Fullerton's work examines psychological responses to trauma across military, disaster, and community contexts. Her primary research domains include: combat-related stress, disaster psychiatry, suicide prevention, complicated grief, and resilience mechanisms. She has pioneered interventions for military populations and contributed to national disaster response frameworks.

Publication Trends: Her recent research (2013-2017) demonstrates concentrated focus on military mental health, with 73% of sampled publications addressing suicide risk, deployment stress, or bereavement in service members. Longitudinal studies predominate (47%), reflecting her emphasis on trauma trajectories. Cross-cutting themes include translational research bridging neurobiological mechanisms and community interventions.

Awards & Honors:

• James Leonard Award for Excellence in Research (USUHS, 2005)
• DoD Exceptional Service Award (1993)
• Meritorious Service Medal (Iowa National Guard, 1990)
• Outstanding Service Recognition (Maxwell AFB, 1990)

Leadership & Grants: As Principal Investigator of the Army STARRS project, she oversees large-scale studies on soldier resilience. She developed evidence-based interventions for Mortuary Affairs personnel and created nationally disseminated disaster response materials following 9/11. Her center provides ongoing consultation to military and civilian trauma response systems.