Kyaien Conner

Kyaien Conner is the Donald M. Henderson Endowed Chair, Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP), and Associate Dean for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Professor with expertise in health and mental health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.

Education:

• BS in Psychology
• MSW
• MPH with specialization in Minority Health and Health Disparities
• PhD in Social Work

Research Interests: Dr. Conner’s work investigates factors influencing health disparities, service utilization, and treatment outcomes for communities of color. Her research emphasizes culturally meaningful interventions, social determinants of health, and policy development to reduce inequities. Current projects include a PCORI-funded study on transitions in care for chronically ill patients with co-occurring mental illness and a multi-site NIMH RO1 grant evaluating peer-led depression interventions in low-income communities.

Scientific Awards:

• Distinguished Alumni Award (University of Pittsburgh, 2023)
• Chancellors Award for Excellence in Civic and Community Engagement (University of South Florida, 2022)
• Black Faculty Member of the Year (University of South Florida, 2021)

Labs & Leadership: As Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems, Dr. Conner spearheads initiatives addressing systemic inequities. She also serves as the DEI lead for the NIH-funded Advanced Research Institute for Geriatric Psychiatry, integrating equity principles into geriatric mental health research.