Russell T Jones

Dr. Russell T Jones is a Professor of Psychology at Virginia Tech University, specializing in trauma psychology focusing on natural and technological disasters, interpersonal violence, and mental health. He holds multiple roles including Core Faculty in Clinical Science and Biological Psychology, Supervising Faculty at the Psychological Services Center, and Faculty/Consultant at the Child Study Center. He directs the Stress and Coping Lab and founded REAACT, a program addressing trauma in children and families.

Education includes a Ph.D. from Penn State University, clinical internship at Brown University, and a secondary appointment at Yale University's Child Study Center.

His research interests center on the psychological impact of disasters, including floods, hurricanes, and technological incidents, as well as interpersonal violence such as mass shootings. He explores disaster preparedness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and post-traumatic growth. Dr. Jones also investigates mental health utilization among student survivors of the Virginia Tech shootings and the historical and systemic trauma affecting people of color.

• Grants & Roles:
• PI of a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant on residential fire impacts
• Founder of REAACT (Recovery Effort After Adult and Child Trauma)
• Member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network's Terrorism and Disaster Branch
• Advisory roles with the CDC, SAMHSA, and the Department of Education

• Awards:
• Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA)

Advising and grants include leadership in trauma response efforts, including deployments to Gulf Port Mississippi and collaborations with Harvard Medical School's Hurricane Katrina Community Advisory Group. His work extends to media engagement, appearing on CBS, CBC, BBC, PBS, and C-Span.

He directs the Stress and Coping Lab and co-founded REAACT, focusing on trauma recovery in children and families.