Heather McDaniel

Heather L. McDaniel, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Carolina, affiliated with the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. Previously, she held a Research Assistant Professor position at the University of Virginia’s Youth-Nex Center. She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and a B.A. in Psychology from Ohio University.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology (Quantitative Psychology), University of South Carolina (2018)
• M.A. in School Psychology, University of South Carolina (2015)
• B.A. in Psychology (Honors), Ohio University (2010)

Research Interests: Her work focuses on school behavioral health services and quantitative methodology, including evaluating evidence-based practices (e.g., Coping Power Program) and improving measurement/analysis of longitudinal data. Key themes involve family involvement in mental health services, adaptive interventions, and reducing disparities in youth outcomes.

Grants & Awards:

• NIH-funded projects totaling over $20M, including leadership roles in studies on suicide prevention and mental health consultation
• 2021 Fellow, Child Intervention Research Training Institute
• Multiple travel grants and fellowships (e.g., IES, PCORI)

Professional Contributions:

• Mentorship of doctoral students in prevention science and school psychology
• Leadership roles in organizations like the Society for Prevention Research (ECPN Committee)
• Over 30 peer-reviewed publications on topics like school-based interventions, racial equity, and methodological innovations

Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the University of South Carolina’s Psychology Department and retains ties with UVA’s Youth-Nex Center.