Cecelia Valrie

Dr. Cecelia Valrie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she directs the Health and Development Lab. Her work bridges health psychology and developmental theories to study pain, sleep, and health outcomes in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) and youth populations.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • M.A. in Developmental Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • B.A. in Psychology and Mathematics, East Carolina University

Her research employs mixed methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and mobile health (mHealth) technologies like ecological momentary assessment and sleep actigraphy. Current projects focus on predicting SCD pain episodes using mathematical models derived from mHealth data, aiming to reduce healthcare burden and improve quality of life.

Key publications highlight her work on pain-sleep interactions, intraindividual pain variability, and intervention dissemination. Recent NIH HEAL Initiative funding underscores her interdisciplinary impact in pediatric pain management.

• Scientific Awards:
  • NIH HEAL Initiative Award for Interdisciplinary Collaboration (2024)
  • Outstanding Community Engagement Award (2023)