Lauren E. Gulbas

Dr. Lauren E. Gulbas is an Associate Professor at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. As a medical anthropologist and social work researcher, she specializes in suicide risk and prevention among marginalized populations, emphasizing qualitative methodologies and resilience-based interventions. Her work addresses mental health disparities through collaborations across academia, clinics, and communities.

Research Focus

Her research integrates cultural anthropology and social work to examine:

• Structural drivers of suicide in vulnerable groups (e.g., immigrants, LGBTQ+ youth)
• Mental health equity through community-engaged interventions
• Resilience frameworks in clinical and educational settings

Grants and Projects

Funded by NSF, NIH, and PCORI, key initiatives include:

• Preventing suicide among gender-diverse young adults in primary care (2027)
• Childhood suicide ideation risk assessment (2028)
• Immigration-related stress and suicidal behavior in Latino adolescents (2015–2020)

Leadership and Honors

She founded the Advanced Qualitative Research Lab, mentoring undergraduates in interdisciplinary mental health research. Recognized as the Robert Lee Sutherland Fellow for advancing mental health policy.