Jonathan Helm

Jonathan Helm is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Department of Psychology, San Diego State University (SDSU), within the College of Sciences. He holds a PhD in Quantitative Psychology from the University of California (2013), an MA in Quantitative Psychology (2010), and a BS in Psychology with a focus on Mathematics (2008). His research focuses on developing and refining statistical models to measure psychological constructs and analyze longitudinal data, with particular emphasis on structural equation modeling (SEM), multitrait-multimethod analyses, and methodological advancements in behavioral and social sciences.

Key research areas include examining physiological synchrony in dyads, analyzing interactions in longitudinal studies, and applying SEM to complex experimental designs. Recent work addresses topics such as resilience factors in adolescent mental health, cognitive dysfunction in brain tumor patients, and the impact of prenatal exposures. Helm has advised numerous graduate students in quantitative methods and clinical research, contributing to over 30 academic publications since 2012.

He has secured significant grants, including a $6.3M NIH-funded initiative to accelerate evidence-based practices in children’s mental health and a $1.8M study on prenatal alcohol exposure’s cognitive effects. His collaborative projects span neuroscience, public health, and LGBTQ+ health disparities, with a focus on translational research and statistical innovation.