Katrina Debnam

Katrina Debnam holds a joint faculty appointment at the University of Virginia’s Schools of Education and Nursing. She earned a psychology degree from Morgan State University, an MPH from UNC Chapel Hill, and a PhD in public health from the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on teen dating violence prevention, school climate improvement, and culturally responsive education. She teaches mixed methods research courses to nursing and education students and chairs the Early Career Preventionists Network for the Society for Prevention Research. Dr. Debnam leads Maryland’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative in over 800 schools, emphasizing equity, bullying prevention, and data-driven decision-making. She received a 2023 University of Virginia Research Achievement Award for her work.

Her work bridges theory and practice, integrating mixed methods approaches to address adolescent health disparities. She collaborates with healthcare providers to develop interventions (e.g., training on teen dating violence) and evaluates school-based programs’ fidelity and outcomes. Current projects include culturally responsive coaching for teachers and exploring Black girls’ dating relationship dynamics through qualitative and quantitative lenses. Her expertise spans journal peer review, editorial board roles, and grants from the W.T. Grant Foundation.