معرفی
Dr. Ruby Charak is an Associate Professor (tenured) in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and the director of the UTRGV Adversities in Childhood and Trauma Studies (ACT) Lab. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical and Developmental Psychology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2015), followed by a postdoctoral role at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2014-2016). Previously, she was an Assistant Professor at the University of Jammu, India.
Her research focuses on identifying risk and protective factors related to child trauma, revictimization, and traumatic stress reactions, with a strong emphasis on LGBTQIA+ and racially diverse populations. She employs advanced statistical methods (e.g., structural equation modeling) and mixed-method designs to evaluate culturally sensitive instruments and assess conditions like developmental trauma disorder. Dr. Charak also investigates technology-mediated abuse, particularly cyber IPV among Hispanic youth, and mental health disparities in low-income border communities.
She teaches courses in Clinical Psychology, Trauma Psychology, and Advanced Statistics, and serves on editorial boards for journals like Child Abuse and Neglect and Psychology of Violence. Dr. Charak actively collaborates with UNICEF and the Menninger Clinic on statistical consulting projects. She volunteers with local nonprofits, advocating for health, housing, and immigration equity through the Rio Grande Valley Equal Voice Network.
Her work bridges research, practice, and advocacy, aiming to reduce violence and improve mental health outcomes for underserved populations. The ACT Lab under her leadership fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and culturally responsive interventions.
