Julie Downs

Julie S. Downs is a Professor of Psychology and Decision Science at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), serving as Associate Dean of Research and Director of the Center for Risk Perception and Communication. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Princeton University. Her research focuses on improving decision-making through behavioral interventions in domains like adolescent health, nutrition, online privacy, and vaccine uptake. Downs leads interdisciplinary projects addressing risky behaviors, with a focus on translating expertise into accessible guidance.

Her work spans academic roles since 1995, including roles as Director of the Center for Risk Perception and Communication since 2002. Key research areas include adolescent sexual health interventions (e.g., the award-winning 'Seventeen Days' film), diabetes preconception counseling ('READY-Girls'), and online safety education. Downs has secured over $10 million in grant funding from NIH, NSF, and others.

Notable achievements include multiple awards for health communication interventions, including Platinum Remi Awards (2004, 2013) and Telly Awards. Her research has been published in top journals across psychology, public health, and policy. Downs teaches courses on decision science, health risk communication, and behavioral interventions.

Her lab currently includes Ph.D. students focusing on behavioral economics, adolescent health, and technology. Downs collaborates with medical, public health, and engineering experts to bridge gaps between research and real-world applications.