Peter A. Wyman

Peter A. Wyman, PhD is a Professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Services. He serves as Director of the Network Health and Prevention Program and Co-Director of the Center for Study and Prevention of Suicide. Dr. Wyman's research focuses on using natural social networks to deliver interventions for suicide, depression, and substance use prevention. His Connect Program suite of interventions has been implemented in diverse settings including the US Air Force (Wingman-Connect), police departments (Police-Connect), and predominantly Black churches (HAVEN-Connect).

• Columbia University - A.B. in Psychology, 1982
• University of Rochester - M.A. in Clinical Psychology, 1984
• University of Rochester - Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, 1987
• University of Rochester - Postdoctoral Fellowship, University Health Service, 1986-1988

Dr. Wyman's research centers on developing and implementing network-based suicide prevention interventions. His work examines how natural social networks can be leveraged to build social bonds and shared healthy norms to sustain intervention impacts. His research spans multiple settings including schools, military contexts, workplaces, and community organizations. He investigates how peer leadership, social integration, and network structure influence mental health outcomes, particularly among adolescents and high-risk populations. His work integrates implementation science, social network analysis, and prevention research to develop scalable, evidence-based interventions.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on suicide prevention through social networks, with increasing emphasis on digital health approaches, implementation science methodology, and attention to equity in suicide risk screening. His work spans multiple disciplines including psychiatry, public health, social network analysis, and implementation science, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern prevention research.

• Action Partner Award, National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). 2016
• Excellence in Suicide Prevention Award, Suicide Prevention Center of New York State. 2012
• Distinction for Ph.D. Comprehensive Examinations, University of Rochester. 1985
• NIMH Research Fellowship (merit-based). 1982 - 1983
• Magna Cum Laude, Columbia College, Columbia University, New York, NY. 1982
• Cleveland Foundation Research Award (merit based). 1979

Dr. Wyman's research has been funded by major national agencies including the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He has led significant clinical trials, including a current study testing peer-led network interventions to prevent adolescent vaping. Beyond his research, he has held influential policy positions, having co-chaired the New York State Governor's Task Force on Suicide (2017-2019) and serving as a member of the Community Prevention Services Task Force, an independent advisory group appointed by the CDC Director.

Dr. Wyman leads the Network Health and Prevention Program, which develops and tests network-based interventions across multiple settings. His Connect Program suite represents a significant contribution to suicide prevention, with adaptations for military personnel, police officers, and faith communities. His work bridges research and practice, translating scientific findings into real-world interventions that address critical public health challenges.