Carolyn Pepper

Carolyn Pepper is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Wyoming, where she has served since 2011, advancing from Assistant to Associate Professor before attaining her current rank. She also holds the role of Associate Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences since 2024. Her academic journey began with a B.S. in Psychology from Western Michigan University (1989), followed by an M.A. (1992) and Ph.D. (1995) from SUNY Stony Brook. She completed a predoctoral internship at Tufts University School of Medicine/Boston VA Consortium (1994-1995) and a NIMH postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan Medical Center (1995-1997).

Dr. Pepper’s research focuses on self-injurious behaviors and suicide, particularly in the Mountain West region. Her work explores the intersection of gender norms, emotion regulation, and minority stress (e.g., LGBTQ+ populations). She has contributed to understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), including affective regulation, self-criticism, and interpersonal risk factors. Her publications emphasize empirical rigor, with methodologies spanning psychometric validation to daily diary approaches.

Her teaching portfolio includes courses on psychological testing, diversity in psychology, evidence-based treatments, and clinical practicum. Dr. Pepper has mentored numerous graduate students, many of whom now hold prominent roles in academic, clinical, and research settings across the U.S. She leads the Stress and Mood Laboratory, which investigates behavioral health interventions and suicide risk in rural populations. While no specific scientific awards are listed, her leadership roles (e.g., Associate Dean) and sustained research productivity underscore her academic impact.