Ryan Kilmer

Ryan Kilmer is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychological Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte). He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rochester (1999). His work focuses on child clinical-community psychology, emphasizing resilience in at-risk children, trauma recovery, and evaluative research guiding systemic changes in mental health services. He leads the Community Psychology Research Lab and contributes to the university’s Social Aspects of Health Initiative.

Key roles include serving as Chair of Psychological Science, former Senior Fellow for Faculty Engagement at urbanCORE, and Director of the Social Aspects of Health Initiative. His research spans natural disasters (e.g., Hurricane Katrina), military families, sibling dynamics in mental health challenges, and systems of care for child mental health.

Publications highlight trauma’s impact on children, posttraumatic growth, and community-based interventions. Collaborations with organizations like Mayfair Elementary and community-university partnerships underscore his commitment to applied research. Teaching includes courses on community psychology, developmental psychology, and personality assessment.